The food stamp program of the U.S. Department of Agriculture reminds that the food you eat each day affects your health for a lifetime.
Food determines how you feel today, tomorrow and in the future. Eating healthy food can help families feel energetic and well-nourished children do better in school.
Those who qualify for food stamps can help put more healthy foods like fruits, vegetables and whole grains on their tables.
Here are some tips for eating healthy at home from the food stamp program:
• Add fruits and vegetables to meals you make. Add fruit to cereal, tomatoes to sandwiches, and bell peppers to pasta sauce. Fruits, vegetables and whole grain can reduce the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and some types of cancer.
• Instead of buying prepared meals, learn to cook them yourself. Bake, steam, and broil your way to better health.
• Limit added fat, salt or sugar while cooking.
• If your family drinks juice, make sure it is 100 percent fruit or vegetable juice.
• Choose fat free of 1 percent milk for adults and children over two years old.
• Make the switch to whole grain cereals, bread, tortillas and pastas. Be sure to look for the words “100%” grain on the packaging.
• Ask your children to help with meal planning, shopping and cooking. They will be more likely to try new healthy foods.
• Check the Nutrition Facts labels on cans, bottles, and boxes when you shop. Compare the amount of fat, sodium, sugar, and calories on food labels.
Visit www.mypyramid.gov for more healthy food ideas and www.cachampionsforchange.net for more low cost, easy-to-make recipes.
