March is National Nutrition Month (07/03/20)

Wellness, Culture and Sport / Education / Health

March is National Nutrition Month (07/03/20)

NB 356

March 20, 2007

FREDERICTON (CNB) - March is National Nutrition Month, and this year's theme is Cook it up Healthy. The campaign's objective is to increase the number of Canadians who enjoy the pleasures and benefits of home cooked, healthy meals prepared and eaten with the family.

Premier Shawn Graham, who is also Minister of Wellness, Culture and Sport, Health Minister Mike Murphy and Education Minister Kelly Lamrock joined together today to encourage New Brunswickers to make informed food choices that will impact their overall health and the health of their families.

"In our Charter for Change, government has clearly recognized the important role of the family in teaching healthy behaviours such as proper nutrition," Graham said. "By starting families on the path to healthy lifestyles early, we will see increased levels of wellness throughout our province."

In February 2007, Health Canada released the new Canada's Food Guide, which translates the latest science on nutrition into clear messages to guide Canadians in making healthy food choices. Now is a great time for New Brunswickers to Cook it up Healthy with the new Canada's Food Guide.

"We are investing in and promoting healthy lifestyles and healthy environments in homes, communities, schools and workplaces," Murphy said. "This investment will help to prevent health issues before they burden the health care system."

Many communities throughout the province are engaging residents in Nutrition Month activities that will help them make healthy food and lifestyle decisions. Planned activities include library displays, school activities, articles for school and community newsletters, and radio contests.

"Since our youth spend most of their time at school, it is important that we teach, promote and encourage good nutrition and healthy living," Lamrock said. "Through the Healthier Foods and Nutrition in Public Schools policy, and by providing schools with grants to promote healthy living, we help our youth lay a foundation for a lifetime of healthy habits."

New Brunswickers are encouraged to learn more about healthy food choices, to Cook it up Healthy, and to take part in raising awareness of the importance of healthy lifestyles during Nutrition Month and throughout the year.

07/03/20

MEDIA CONTACTS: Johanne Le Blanc, communications, Health, 506-457-3513; Jason Humphrey, communications, Education, 506-444-4714; Alison Aiton, communications, Wellness, Culture and Sport, 506-457-6445.

Tips to Cook it up Healthy with Canada's Food Guide

Enjoy a variety of foods from the four food groups every day.

Eat healthy meals with family and friends.

Eat at least one dark green and one orange vegetable each day. Try sweet potatoes, spinach, beet greens, clementines, tangelos, cantaloupe, orange peppers and other brightly colored vegetables and fruit.

Make at least half of your grain products whole grain each day. Try whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, brown or wild rice, bran cereals, oatmeal, bulgur or couscous.

Compare the Nutrition Facts table on labels to make wise choices.

Have 500 mL (2 cups) of milk every day for adequate vitamin D.

Have meat alternatives such as beans, lentils and tofu often.

Eat at least two Food Guide Servings of fish each week.

Include a small amount - 30 to 45 mL (2 to 3 Tbsp) - of unsaturated fat each day. This could be oil used in cooking, salad dressings, soft margarine or mayonnaise.

Limit foods containing trans and saturated fats.

Have breakfast every day.

Limit foods and beverages that are high in calories, fat, sugar or salt.

Plan for extras - they can be used for another meal within the next couple of days.

Try some ready to eat produce such as broccoli slaw or romaine lettuce.

Keep frozen vegetables on hand to help complete your meal.

Frozen fruits are great in a smoothie, on cereal or in homemade muffins or fruit crisp.

Make use of a slow cooker to help you have a hot dinner on the table without much fuss.

Make each Food Guide Serving count wherever you are - at home, at school, at work or when eating out.

07/03/20

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