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Colorful Food Choices Help Us Stay Healthy
Communities all over the United States participated in the April 2004 National Nutrition Month campaign to encourage eating healthy and being physically active for optimum well being. We all know we should eat smart and exercise, but this is sometimes difficult in our fast-paced lives. So how do we make healthy choices? Concentrate on brightly colored, whole foods. They are cheaper than supplements and the nutrients in them can usually be better absorbed.
Start with fresh, frozen, canned or dried fruits and vegetables. Red, orange or green, fruits and vegetables are packed with nutrients, fiber and phytochemicals that may protect you from certain cancers and help lower your blood pressure. Include whole grain breads and cereals that are packed with fiber, B vitamins and carbohydrates to give you energy. Low fat dairy products like 1 % milk, low fat yogurt and cheese keep our bones strong. Lean animal proteins help build muscle. Legumes, plant proteins, beans, peas, nuts, and seeds provide fiber.
Explore the choice of foods and expand your tastes to provide your body with the wide variety of nutrients your body needs. Try a new recipe once a month or purchase a fruit or vegetable you’ve never tried.
Stay healthy by being physically active for 30 minutes or more most days of the week. If you can’t find 30 minutes, do it 10 minutes at a time. Park your car at the far end of the parking lot, take the stairs, walk to the store, or recruit a friend to exercise with you. Choose activities you enjoy and look forward to. Experiment with different activities to add variety to your activity schedule. Being active not only helps your body stay fit, but also your mind.
Remember all foods can fit. Think of what you have eaten over several days time.Make up for some not so wise choices with healthier choices the next meal. And get moving!
Source: Linda Timme RD, LD, Health and Wellness Committee, First United Methodist Church, Pittsburg, KS.
Check back with us from time to time as we continue to build the cM nutrition library.
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