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This version of NSU News has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of NSU News, visit news.nova.edu.
This version of SharkBytes has been archived as of February 28, 2019. To search through archived articles, visit nova.edu/search. To access the new version of SharkBytes, visit sharkbytes.nova.edu.
Healthy Eating Begins At Home
Submitted by Marilyn Gordon Ed.D. RDN CSSD LDN
Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
If you are interested in improving your health, many times it begins with improving your diet. We take for granted that the food we eat breaks down to provide the basic components of fuel (calories) to provided energy, and nutrients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, phytochemicals) that the body needs for functioning on a daily basis. Meals prepared at home are healthier because you control the basic ingredients and the method of preparation. There is no guessing about the fat or salt content; either you added it or left it out. Maybe you chose to measure the appropriate amount.
Food preparation at home allows you to personalize the taste to your liking; either adding a particular herb or spice or omitting it altogether. Meals plated at home are easier to portion appropriately. If you need to gain weight, it is easier to serve a larger portion or go back for a second serving. If you would like to lose weight, you have the option to cook less or portion less on your plate. Leftovers are easily saved and used for another meal.
Frequently I am asked to provide sample menus of creative ideas for meal planning. Fortunately for us the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has added a Healthy Eating on a Budget resource @ Choose My Plate.gov http://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDACNPP/bulletins/ba6a80 . This resource includes a 2 week menu with a complete nutritional breakdown, a grocery list, money saving tips, and a recipe book. Healthy eating at home is nutritious and affordable. Give it a try.