Healthy tips during National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, a time to return to the basics of healthful eating. The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) invites all community members to make March their healthiest month yet.

“Whether you’re starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before a workout, the foods you choose can make a real difference,” said Theresa Fagouri, Health Education Coordinator for HHSA’s SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program.

“Eating more healthfully has many benefits,” added Fagouri. “It can lower your chance of health risks, help you stay strong and active, help you manage your weight and even improve your mood and mental health!”

This year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to “Go Further with Food.” Tips for healthful eating include the following:

• Plan your meals and snacks in advance. Not only will planning in advance help you choose more nutritious foods and balanced meals, it will also save you money and help reduce food waste.

• Create a meal prep plan that includes a variety of your favorite, healthful foods. Make sure your food and beverage choices are limited in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.

• Don’t skip breakfast! This is important for everyone, and especially for children whose minds and bodies are growing quickly. Try to include a good source of protein with your breakfast, and avoid overly sweet or sugary foods, such as high sugar cereals.

• Try to make half your plate fruits and veggies. Add whole grains to your diet and vary your diet by adding fish and non-meat sources of protein such as nuts and amaranth (a high-protein grain).

• Start with small changes to your diet to make healthier choices you can enjoy.

For additional healthy eating tips, nutrition information and meal planning, visit https://www.nutrition.gov/

El Dorado County HHSA wants to ensure that all residents have access to healthy foods and information to make healthy food choices. HHSA offers several nutrition programs for people and families on limited incomes in El Dorado County. The Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program provides qualifying pregnant, postpartum and breast feeding women, infants, and children up to age 5 with nutrition education, nutritious foods to supplement diets, information on healthy eating including breastfeeding promotion and support, and referrals to health care. HHSA also has a nutrition program called SNAP-Ed that provides nutrition education for those who are receiving, or eligible for, the CalFresh Program. CalFresh is a program that helps people on low incomes buy healthy food.

For more information about National Nutrition Month, or to find out more about the El Dorado County’s Nutrition Programs and what they offer, please call Fagouri at (530) 621-6105. Information about WIC, CalFresh and other programs offered through HHSA can also be found online at www.edcgov.us/hhsa