In a world where fast-food is at every corner, making for easier access, making smart choices about what we eat has never been more important. That is why The Healthy Food Smarts decided to partner with CAPK CalFresh Healthy Living Team, to teach about healthier lifestyles. The food Smart Series will be at the Levan Center every Thursday from March 20th-April 10th from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. All participants will receive lunch and learning as well as 200 dollars in groceries for attending all four sessions.
Ashley Mcallister, a Community Health Specialist stated the program’s objectives are to help participants identify three personal health benefits of eating healthy. Understanding food groups, comparing the food you eat now to the recommendations of MyPlate recommendations and to be able to make meals that meet those requirements.
Eating the proper amounts of fruits and vegetables provides you with better sleep, energy, heart health, decreases your risk of getting colon cancer, and provides better dental health and many more benefits, Mcallister said, “one thing that I like to stick out a lot is better dental health too, so a lot of people don’t think about dental health, eating the proper amount of fruits, veggies, proteins, actually promotes better dental health, everything starts at your mouth, right, everything that your inputting, so that’s also a huge benefit.”
When asked about dietary restrictions and how to better maintain your health, Mcallister responded “So I am not a doctor. That’s first and foremost. So, I can’t tell you what your dietary restrictions are. So, I can’t tell you what to eat and what not to eat. So, if you’re wanting specific answers about your specific diet and your dietary restrictions, you’re going to have to speak with your provider.”
Although Mcallister can’t assist people with dietary restrictions she stated that on, “CalFresh.org, you can also go ahead and check out. They have some for I believe it’s high cholesterol. I believe that you said gluten free so there’s a few recipes for some dietary restrictions that you can check out.”
Don’t miss out on the fun of healthy learning and join the Food smarts Series on their next meeting on March 27th at 12:30pm. The session will include a fun water demo where you will make your own water.