Health & Nutrition: Health Starts Here
Health Starts Here is the first major program to be launched since Whole Foods Market added a new core value to its mission in October 2009: “Promoting the health of our stakeholders through healthy eating education.” The new program is based on the following simple principles for everyday healthy eating:
HEALTHY EATING PRINCIPLES
Plant based
- Simply put, eat mostly plants
- No matter what type of diet you follow — including those that incorporate dairy, meat and/or seafood — eat more plants, like raw and cooked vegetables, fruits, legumes and beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains
- Eat a colorful variety of plants to ensure you’re getting the best nutrients for your body, which leads to feeling satiated
Real food
- Choose foods that are whole, fresh, natural, organic, local, seasonal and unprocessed
- Eliminate the consumption of refined, highly processed foods and foods void of nutrients, such as artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, sweeteners and hydrogenated fats
Low fat
- Get your healthy fats from plant sources, such as nuts and avocados
- Minimize extracted oils and processed fats
- If eating a diet that includes animal products, choose leaner meats and seafood as well as low-fat dairy products
Nutrient dense
- Choose foods that are rich in nutrients when compared to their total caloric content; also known as foods with a high nutrient density
- Build your menus around plant-based foods to ensure highly nutrient-dense meals
- Choose foods with a wide spectrum of vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients and antioxidants
- Look for the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) scoring system to guide you on healthier choices
TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED
- Look for the “Health Starts Here” logo around the store.
- Visit the Whole Foods Market “Health Starts Here” area located near the Bulk department to browse our selection of books and cooking supplies.
- Learn to use the Aggregate Nutrient Density Index (ANDI) scoring system throughout the store to guide you on healthier choices.
- Ask a Team Member about additional healthy eating support, including:
- Prepared Foods offerings
- In-store Healthy Eating areas
- “Health Starts Here” books
- Online recipes
- “Getting Started” program sites
- Lifestyle support clubs (select stores)
- Healthy Eating supper clubs (select stores)
- And more!
