Eat Healthy

There are many sources of nutrition information at your finger tips. From diet books to magazine articles, many sources seem to have an opinion about what you should be eating. It is a known by many Americans, that good nutrition plays an important role in maintaining health. Eating healthy involves eating the right foods in appropriate amounts. To eat healthy, you must eat at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily as well as following the daily recommended amount of all other USDA established food groups. Research has shown that following a healthy eating plan can reduce the risk of developing high blood pressure, lower an existing elevated blood pressure and reduce other chronic disease diagnoses.

Education

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: http://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/everyone
• Eat 5 servings of fruits & vegetables daily.
• Increase intake of whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy products.
• Use a small plate and eat smaller portions.
• Drink at least 32 ounces water each day.

Board of Health policy and environmental goals

• Increase the number of community gardens in order to improve access to local fruit and vegetables.
• Expand/ increase access to fresh local fruits and vegetables.
• Develop worksite wellness policies and initiatives that support healthy eating at work (for example, healthy vending and cafeteria selections).

Resources:

• Is Eating Healthy Possible in DeKalb County?
• General Nutrition information
• Healthy Recipe and Meal Planning
• Eating healthy for kids and teens
• Reading food labels
• Fruits and Veggies Matter
• Eat Healthy, Eat Local