Press Release

Food & Fitness Build a Healthy Lifestyle

Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures. There are so many foods and ways to build a healthy lifestyle-there is lots of room for choice. The newest Dietary Guidelines for Americans offer great ideas and sensible guidelines to help you with these choices. March is National Nutrition Month and the Union County Health Department joins the American Dietetic Association in promoting the Dietary Guidelines as a means to Build a Healthy Lifestyle.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans begin with the basics of the ABCs for you and your family’s health. These guidelines are intended for healthy children (ages 2 and older) and adults of any age.

Aim for fitness

Build a healthy base

Choose sensibly

Aim for fitness-that means aim for a healthy weight and be physically active every day. A healthy weight is the key to a long, healthy life. Over time, even a small decrease in calories eaten and a small increase in physical activity can keep you from gaining weight or help you lose weight. Engage in 30 minutes or more of moderate physical activity most, preferably all, the days of the week. Make physical activity a regular part of your routine. Moderate physical activity is any activity that requires about as much energy as walking 2 miles in 30 minutes.

Build a healthy lifestyle. Let the Food Guide Pyramid guide you so that you get the vitamins, minerals, energy and other healthful substances from foods your body needs each day. Make grains, especially whole grains, fruits, and vegetables the foundation of your meals. This forms a base for good nutrition and health. Foods that are safe from harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and chemical contaminants are vital for healthful eating.

Chose sensibly. Choose a diet that is low in saturated fat and cholesterol and moderate in total fat. Choose beverages and foods that limit your intake of sugars. Choose and prepare foods with less salt. Choose low-fat dairy products, cooked dried beans and peas, fish, and lean meats and poultry.

Use the Nutrition Facts Label to help you choose foods lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. Read the label to compare and help identify foods lower in sodium. Choose herbs or spices on foods like grilled or roasted entrees, baked potatoes, and salads to help you limit sodium intake.