March 15, 2009
Quagciq, or sourdock, which grows all over the YK Delta, is rich in Vitimins A, C and Iron.
March is National Nutrition Month
National Nutrition Month is the American Dietetic Association’s annual nutrition education and information campaign. Its purpose is to encourage people to develop healthy eating and physical activity habits. The slogan for this year is “Eat Right.”
The ADA offers the following key messages.
Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age. Help yourself to feel your best by making healthy food choices and being physically active every day. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products. It includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts. It is also low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
Make your calories count. The majority of your foods should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. They should also be lower in calories. Making smart food choices can help you stay healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.
Focus on variety. Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body needs. Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned. Include more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans, and peas. Eat at least three ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.
Know your fats. Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol to help reduce the risk of heart disease. Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Check the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels for total fat and saturated fat.
Eating well and staying physically active also helps prevent type 2 diabetes. If you have any questions about type 2 diabetes, please call YKHC’s Diabetes Prevention and Control Program at 543-6133 or 877-543-6133. Information about eating well can be found at www.eatright.org or www.mypyramid.gov.
