March is National Nutrition Month – Info. From the NIH
March is National Nutrition Month – Info. From the NIH
We Can! (Ways to Enhance Children’s Activity & Nutrition) is a national education program designed to give parents and communities a way to help children learn to eat nutritious foods. As parents, you can do a lot to help your children learn healthy eating habits and maintain a healthy weight. Involving them in meal preparation and cooking can motivate them to try new foods – and is a good way to spend time together as a family.
What is a “healthy” diet?
· A healthy eating plan is one that :
· Emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat or fat-free milk products.
· Includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts.
· Is low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, sodium/salt, and added sugars.
· Stays within your calorie needs.
Focus on Healthy Food Choices - Choose the GO, SLOW, and WHOA foods:
GO FOODS – are the lowest in fats and added sugar. They are nutrient dense with a better source of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients important to health. Examples of GO foods are fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fat-free and low-fat milk products, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, egg whites, or egg substitute.
SLOW FOODS - are higher in fat, added sugar, and calories. SLOW foods include vegetables with added fat, white refined bread flour, low- fat mayonnaise, 2% low fat milk products, peanut butter, pizza, baked chips, and mac and cheese. Have slow foods sometimes.
WHOA FOODS – are the highest in fat and sugar. They are calorie dense foods and low in vitamins, minerals, and other needed nutrients. Have WHOA foods once in a while, and when you do have them, have small portions. Examples of WHOA foods are whole-milk products, fried foods, bakery sweets, candy, soda, chips, sugary cereals, and creamy salad dressings.
Hungry for more? Visit the WE CAN! Web site at http://wecan.nhlbi.nih.gov Visit the Keep the Beat : Deliciously Healthy Eating web site at http://hin.nhlbi.nih.gov/healthyeating
Bon Appetit !
