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Nutrition fair will offer information, demonstrations
By Sherrie Norris
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information
campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association
and designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed
food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity
habits.
Every month at the Hunger and Health Coalition in Boone could
be designated as same, since an important goal of the agency is
to improve the nutritional knowledge of the people they serve,
director Compton Fortuna said, “accomplished by offering
nutritional information and healthy recipes throughout the year.”
In observance of National Nutrition Month, the Hunger and Health
Coalition is hosting a nutrition fair on location Tuesday, March
25, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Knowing that even those struggling
on a limited budget can help their families make healthier choices
if they are informed, Fortuna, her staff and volunteers are planning
an event that will offer opportunities not only for nutrition
education but also demonstrations of healthy preparation of foods,
free recipes and samples, blood pressure checks, a raffle and
some “goodie bags.”
During National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association
(ADA) urges consumers to look beyond the myths of nutrition, focus
on the facts and remember the theme for the month, Nutrition:
It’s a Matter of Fact.
“It may seem difficult to figure out the most healthful eating
plan, and there are many nutrition myths that people follow as
the truth,” said registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson
Kerry Neville. “It’s important to focus on information
that is based on scientific research.”
Neville said sifting through complex food and nutrition research
can be complicated, and a registered dietitian can translate the
science and tailor it into advice that fits an individual consumer’s
needs.
“But people often hear about new research but they aren’t
able to get the whole story,” Neville said. “Even if
a weight-loss strategy has been proven effective in a research
study, it is still important that you investigate before adopting
it into your diet. Perhaps one study says a plan is effective,
and 50 other studies say it is not. It is important to look at
all the cumulative research that exists on a topic.
“Healthful eating is not the same for everyone. Certain nutritional
changes can be helpful for some people, and the same change can
be harmful for others depending upon their overall health needs.”
For more information on adequate nutrition for the whole family,
plan to attend the upcoming Nutrition Fair, and call (828)-262-1628
or visit www.hungercoalition.com
Here are a few practical tips for healthier families, provided
by the ADA:
• Make mealtime family time. Try to have at least one meal
a day together. Eating meals as a family can actually improve
your children’s food habits, since kids tend to eat more
fruits, vegetables and dairy foods at meals shared with their
parents.
• Get the family involved in meal planning and preparation.
Your kitchen can be a learning laboratory. Give kids simple tasks
to help with family food shopping, preparation and cleanup. Children
are more likely to eat foods that they have helped to prepare.
• Be a good role model. Moms and dads often tell their kids
to eat healthy but don’t follow the advice for themselves.
Make sure you set a good example for your family. Healthy eating
is a lifestyle—not a fad. It needs to be a family affair
that begins at an early age.
• Try something new. Set a goal to include one new food or
recipe each week. You’ll soon discover new favorites to incorporate
into family menus. |
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