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Iowa Department on Aging: Iowa Department on Aging reminds Iowans that March is National Nutrition Month
2/22/2010

Machelle Shaffer Phone: (o) 515/725-3312 (cell) 515/745-3442 Email: machelle.shaffer@iowa.gov

Nutrition is Key to Good Health Good Nutrition Equals Good Health Equals Independent Living

(Des Moines, IA)

– Today, Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) Director John McCalley reminded older Iowans that March is National Nutrition Month and a healthful diet is an important part of a healthful lifestyle. “Most people know that eating well is important but many have trouble figuring out what to do when planning a complete diet revamp. During National Nutrition Month®, the American Dietetic Association reminds everyone that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics and build your nutritional health from the ground up,” Director McCalley stated.

“By taking small steps to change your diet, you can succeed in living a healthier life,” says Iowa Department on Aging’s Registered Dietician, Carlene Russell.

“Small changes can make a big difference.” Toby Smithson, a registered dietitian and an American Dieticians Association (ADA) spokesperson, suggests the following tips on making diet changes: Focus on fruits and veggies: “Take a good look at your current diet you’ll probably realize you’re not eating enough fruits or vegetables,” says Smithson. “Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.” Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. “This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time,” Smithson says. Make calories count: “Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and that only those on the ‘good foods’ list are okay to eat,” says Smithson. “When you’re choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.” To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit http://www.mypyramid.gov . Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. “Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites,” Smithson says. “Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.” Trick yourself with treats: “A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation,” says Smithson. “If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.” For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up, during National Nutrition Month and all year long, visit http://www.eatright.org and click on “For the Public.” For those older Iowans who need help with their meals, the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) funds area agencies on aging that can provide nutritious meals and nutrition education through home-delivered and congregate meals. “Congregate meals and home-delivered meals promote good health and improve nutrition helping older Iowans remain independent,” IDA Director McCalley said. “To find a congregate meal site or to find out more about home delivered meals, contact the Iowa Association of Area Agencies on Aging toll-free at: 1-866-468-7887.” For more information on the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA), visit: http://www.aging.iowa.gov/

or call 1-800-532-3213.

To locate resources for older adults and people with disabilities go to: http://www.lifelonglinks.org .

The mission of the Iowa Department on Aging (IDA) is to provide advocacy, educational, and prevention services to help Iowans remain independent as they age. IDA administers over 32 million dollars in services and supports through a network of 13 Area Agencies on Aging across the state.




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