Food and Your Body – Healthy Eating

Eating should be something you enjoy. Portion size on what you eat. Have fun eating habits with your loved ones. It’s vital to know that each person’s body is no the same. There is no one way of eating. Each person deserves respect when seeking support for their health.

Why eating matters?

Your body needs energy and nutrients to keep you alive and well.
Food can add joy to your life, and you can learn a lot about other cultures through their dishes.

The food we eat is affected by:

Health
Age
Values
Background
The choices we make or is made by others
Schedule
Activity levels
People who surround you

How eating can help your body.

The food you put in your body not only keeps you healthy and ready for each day.

Take small steps like using the MyPlate method in making healthy choices today!

Put a grocery shopping list together!

Choose all types of foods by putting a grocery list together! It can save you time, money and help with meal planning.

Eating more fruits and veggies, quality protein sources, healthy fats and goods amounts of water that doesn’t have a lot of added sugars.

Know the facts!

Knowing about what you are eating can help you make better choices.

Get less

Saturated Fat

Sodium known as salt

Added sugars

Get more

Dietary Fiber

Vitamin D

Calcium

Iron

Potassium

Eating more fruits and veggies is good for you!

They are good in any form – whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried
They have natural fiber that helps fill you up
It may even help cut the risk of many health problems, such as heart disease, and some cancers.

They are low in calories
Both fruits and veggies are rich in vitamins and minerals that can help you feel healthy and energized
They are full of antioxidants, which can keep cells healthy, and helps you fight disease and infections

Here are some fun ideas you can try

Challenge yourself and your family of all ages to eat more fruits and veggies each day.

Prepare fruits and veggies ahead of time, so they’re ready for quick and healthy snacks

Support family and friends to make small changes, like keeping fresh fruits or and veggies within easy reach

Buy in season. Most fruits and veggies are less costly when they are in season

Listen to Your Body

The most vital thing you can do for yourself is listen to your body.

Some days you might need extra rest, others might mean eating hot soup to ease stomach pains, maybe you feel like drinking lots of water.

Whatever your feelings, do your best to honor your needs and talk to your doctor about concerns you have.

Questions ???

Are canned food items okay to use when making food?

Yes! Some canned items have sodium also known as salt, to help with taste and shelf life. Look for canned items that have no salt added so you can control how much salt you eat.

Does frozen veggies, fruit, and meat have an expiration date?

As long as frozen food is kept below 0 F throughout its life it can be kept forever and is safe to eat. Frozen foods are a great addition to your grocery list since they are packaged at peak freshness.

What is a gluten free diet?

A gluten free diet is an eating plan when you CAN NOT eat foods that have gluten, like wheat, barely, and rye.

What is organic food?

Organic food refers to how your food is grown like farming practices that are supposed to be better for the earth. Foods that are certified with have this label on them.

More resources

Call HPSJ at 1.888. 936.PLAN (7526) to learn about your benefits or get connected to a Social Worker of the day by calling 209-942-635 Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.

https://www.cdss.ca.gov/inforesources/calfresh

https://www.myplate.gov/

Learn to read food labels.

https://www.fda.gov/media/89314/download

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWMSJqnYFMY

Healthy Eating tips for kids. For kids, be a good role model and choose healthy options In front of them.

https://www.fda.gov/media/89325/download

Learn more about the nutritional programs in your area.

www.myfamilywic.ca.gov

www.getcalfresh.org

San Joaquin County

http://www.seecalifornia.com/events/farmers-market/san-joaquin-county.html