According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the typical American diet exceeds the recommended levels in calories from solid fats and added sugars, refined grains, sodium and saturated fat.
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To focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits, March is recognized as National Nutrition Month.
“Making just small shifts in our food choices can really make a difference over time,” says Erica Owen, manager of nutrition and weight management programs at MHealthy.
“You don’t necessarily need to overhaul your entire eating routine but making simple changes like reducing your portion sizes, planning meals ahead of time, cooking at home more and adding more vegetables to your diet can have a big impact.”
Through MHealthy and its partners, the university is offering the U-M community a number of nutrition and weight management services this month and year-round.
• “In the Kitchen with Chef” demonstrations — A U-M chef and a registered dietitian team up to teach essential kitchen skills and offer meal planning tips.
Three free demos covering vegetarian cooking are scheduled: Michigan Union, March 16; North Campus Research Campus, March 29; and Dow Auditorium, April 25, registration opens April 4. Includes food samples and healthy recipes.
• MHealthy loyalty punch card — Available at select cafés at Michigan Medicine. Collect five punches to save $2 on the next MHealthy food purchase and receive a free bottle of water.
• MHealthy Recipe Finder — Search through more than 300 MHealthy-approved recipes online.
Catering and Dining Guide — Find restaurants and university services offering healthier food options when eating on-the-go or catering an event or meeting.
• Farmers markets and community supported agriculture programs — Directories to find farmers markets and CSAs close to home are available on MHealthy’s website. Also, look for M Farmers Markets to return to campus starting in May.
• Ready To Lose — Get personal support, weekly educational webinars, individual coaching through MHealthy’s weight loss program. Open to those with a body-mass index above 25.
• Weight Watchers — Through a special partnership, U-M employees can join a 12-week Traditional or At Work program for half the price. At Work participants also get the OnlinePlus companion for free.
Pat Bostain
Do the classes cost, is there any after 4:30 pm? Thank you
Linda Brzezinski
Please bring back Colorful Choices!