Your West Central Florida County Health Departments serving Citrus, Hardee, Hernando, Highlands, Hillsborough, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, and Sarasota invite you to learn the importance of healthy eating habits during National Nutrition Month this March.
This year’s theme, Fuel for the Future, promotes a healthy vegetarian and/or plant-based diet.
During National Nutrition Month, everyone is encouraged to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year. Making healthy eating habits does not require drastic lifestyle changes.
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According to the National Library of Medicine, a high-sugar, high-fat, processed food diet has contributed significantly to obesity and chronic disease in America.
Not only do Americans consume fewer than the recommended daily servings of fruit and vegetables, but they also consume a lot of red meat and poultry each year, which creates a much higher daily caloric intake and protein requirements of a healthy diet.
Developing a healthy eating pattern is not a one-size-fits-all endeavor. The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutrient needs.
For those wondering how to get started, speaking with a registered dietitian can be an important first step. These health professionals can help fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternatives to cooking methods and offer other helpful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals.
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Your local health department can serve as a valuable resource as you look to expand your food horizons this month.
You can reach your county’s office at:
- DOH-Citrus (352) 527-0068
- DOH-Manatee (941) 748-0747
- DOH-Hardee (863) 773-4161
- DOH-Pasco (727) 619-0300
- DOH-Hernando (352) 540-6800
- DOH-Pinellas (727) 824-6900
- DOH-Highlands (863) 386-6040
- DOH-Polk (863) 519-7900
- DOH-Hillsborough (813) 307-8000
- DOH-Sarasota (941) 861-2900
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