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“Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” during National Nutrition Month®
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02/23/15 LICKING COUNTY, OHIO – Choosing healthy foods and drinks, being active, and avoiding unhealthy habits like tobacco use can improve overall health, and therefore change the fact that many of the leading causes of death in Licking County are associated with unhealthy daily choices. This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month® is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” which recognizes the relationship between these factors and health.
“A healthy lifestyle includes a variety of factors, such as physical activity, choosing not to smoke, and the foods we eat,” said Licking County Health Commissioner Joe Ebel. “National Nutrition Month® focuses on the foods and drinks we choose to eat, and how they impact our overall health.”
Despite good intentions, most people do not eat well every day. Food choices are affected by many variables, including: cost, advertising, availability, time and personal preference. One thing often overlooked when deciding on foods to eat, is health – our health today and our health in the future. Food and drink choices have a significant role in how we feel and perform each day and in the prevention of many chronic diseases.
Lifestyles, healthy or not, are built over time. Lifestyle changes also take time and dedication. If change is needed or desired, start small and allow plenty of time for the new behavior to become habit. Only then will the full benefit be attained.
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Here are eight tips for making healthier food choices:
- Choose 100 percent whole grain foods, like pasta and breads, instead of enriched flour products
- Choose fresh fruits and vegetables whenever possible
- Limit high calorie fluids that offer few nutrients, like soda/pop, sports drinks and flavored coffee drinks
- Use healthy oils, like canola and olive, when cooking at home
- Plan and pack healthy snacks to avoid a trip to the vending machine
- Drink plain water between meals and to quench thirst
- Eat something within one hour of waking to energize your metabolism
- Choose non-fat or low-fat dairy products
Visit www.choosemyplate.gov for additional tips and information about healthy food choices.
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“The Licking County Health Department serves more than 160,000 citizens in the Licking County General Health District by preventing disease, protecting the environment and promoting healthy lifestyles with a vision of healthy people living in healthy communities.”
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