​March is National Nutrition Month
(Placerville, CA) - March is National Nutrition Month. The El Dorado County Health and Human Services Agency (HHSA) invites all community members to make March their healthiest month yet. "Whether starting the day off with a healthy breakfast or fueling before exercise, the foods we choose really matter," said Theresa Fagouri, Health Education Coordinator for HHSA's SNAP-Ed Nutrition Program.
"Research shows that eating in a more healthful way has many benefits, including lowering our health risks, helping us stay active and strong, managing weight and even improving our mood and mental well-being," said Fagouri.
Tips for healthful eating include the following:
- Plan your meals and snacks in advance. This can help you choose more nutritious and balanced meals, save money and reduce food waste.
- Create a meal prep plan that includes a variety of your favorite, healthful foods. Try to choose foods and beverages that are lower in sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
- Don't skip breakfast! This is important for everyone, and especially children. Include a good source of protein with breakfast; avoid high sugar cereals and other overly sweet foods.
- 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.
For more healthy eating and meal planning tips, visit https://eatfresh.org/
El Dorado County HHSA offers several nutrition programs for people and families on limited incomes. 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, breastfeeding information, and referrals to health care. HHSA's SNAP-Ed program also provides nutrition education for individuals in El Dorado County who are receiving, or eligible for, the CalFresh Program. CalFresh is a program that helps people on low incomes buy healthy foods.
For more information about National Nutrition Month or local nutrition programs, call Fagouri at (530) 621-6105. Information about WIC, CalFresh and other HHSA programs can be found at www.edcgov.us/hhsa
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