Eight of 10 Americans over the age of 25 are overweight and about 3 million Americans are morbidly obese. These numbers are shocking and serve as proof that there is a drastic difference between nutrition recommendations and what Americans are actually eating. Every year in March the American Dietetic Association (ADA) sponsors a nutrition education and information campaign called National Nutrition Awareness Month.
This campaign is designed to teach Americans of all ages about the importance of making smart food choices and developing healthy eating and exercising habits. This year’s theme is “Eat Right.”
Eating right is an important way to stay healthy and reduce the risk developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, certain cancers, diabetes, stroke, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. It is estimated that simple dietary changes could reduce cancer deaths in the United States by as much as 35 percent.
Observing the following healthy eating guidelines can help reduce your risk:
• Eat a variety of foods
• Maintain or improve your weight by adding exercise to your healthy diet
• Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as grain products such as bread, rice, pasta and oatmeal
• Choose a diet low in fat, saturated fat and cholesterol such as low fat milk products, lean meats, fish and poultry
• Reduce your intake of sugary foods
• Limit your salt and sodium intake
In observance of National Nutrition Awareness Month, the dieticians of Marion Regional Healthcare System will be in the café during lunch each Tuesday in March to discuss different themes in nutrition. A display is set up and handouts are available for the theme of the week.
A healthy food item will be highlighted each Thursday in the Café as the Special of the Day. This will be an easy and healthy recipe that can be prepared at home. All hot food items in the Café will display the nutrition information, showing you the calories, sodium, total fat, saturated fat and cholesterol.
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