National Eating Healthy Day

Did you know that today, November 6, is National Eating Healthy Day? Most people don’t. So what is the big deal and why should we designate a day to get people to eat more healthy foods? What if I told you that over 144 million adult Americans are overweight or obese? How about the fact that over a third of our children share the same problem? Did you know that for the first time in the history of our country the next generation isn’t expected to live as long as their parents despite advances in treatment for cancer and other diseases? One major reason for this obesity epidemic is the increase in meals eaten out, presently one in five or about 4.2 meals a week. Eating out means larger portions and more calories. As we go into the holiday season the problem becomes worse than ever, making this a perfect time to make a pledge to change our eating habits and live a longer healthier life. It’s really not that hard. Just follow these simple guidelines and you are on your way.

When you go to the super market look for these healthy items:

• Colorful fruits and vegetables 
• Beans and other legumes 
• Brown rice or whole grain pasta 
• Whole wheat or whole grain bread 
• Lean grass fed meat 
• Free range poultry and eggs 
• Low fat dairy products including yogurt 
• Olive and Canola oil 
• Almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and other nuts 
• Berries especially blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries 

Look for these same ingredients when you eat out and try to eat half the meal and take the other half home.

Remember the difference between a serving and a portion. A serving is a specific measured amount of food. A portion is the actual amount you put on your plate. The closer your portion size is to a serving, the more you control your weight. Try to remember what a serving size means. For instance:

• A serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards 
• A serving of fish is about the size of a checkbook 
• A serving of fruit is about the size of a baseball 
• A serving of leafy vegetables is about the size of a small fist 
• A serving of bread is one slice 
• A serving of rice, pasta, or cereal is about the size of a baseball 
• A serving of cheese is about the size of 4 stacked dice 

Go easy on the salt. Most people consume over twice the recommended limit of 2/3 teaspoon a day.

So come on and make the pledge today. Don’t put is off until tomorrow or next week or next year. Let’s all strive for a healthier future for ourselves, for our family, for our country. It might just save your life.