The Florida Department of Health in Polk County (DOH-Polk) recognizes March as National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme, Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, encourages individuals to discover new flavors and appreciate good food while experiencing the social aspects food can bring.
“Eating healthy doesn’t have to be a chore. There are many innovative ways people can include healthy and fresh ingredients into their daily diet,” says Dr. Joy Jackson, director of the Florida Department of Health in Polk County.
The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend that a person should consume less than 10 percent of added sugars in one’s daily calorie intake. It also recommends fewer than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day and reduce saturated fat intake to no more than 10 percent of one’s daily calories.
DOH-Polk, alongside specialists from Watson Clinic, encourages Polk residents to follow these tips to reduce fat, sodium, and sugar from a daily diet:
- Drink water, low-fat or fat-free milk and 100-percent fruit or vegetable juice instead of sugary beverages.
- Grill fruits such as pineapple or peaches for a naturally sweet and healthier dessert.
- Buy frozen or canned products without added salt or sugar.
- Flavor foods with citrus, herbs and spices instead of salt.
- Cook with oils instead of butter.
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is also a healthy resource in Polk for those who qualify. The WIC program, provides supplemental food benefits, nutrition and breastfeeding counseling, and healthcare referrals to Polk participants who are at nutritional risk. For more information about WIC in Polk County, call 1-800-POLK WIC.
To learn more about National Nutrition Month® and for healthy tips on how to Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, visit www.eatright.org/nnm.
For more information about the Florida Department of Health in Polk County, visit the website at http://www.mypolkhealth.org/.