2 minute read
EATING
www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/HealthyEating Being there starts with healthy eating
Fuel. Medicine. Love. Food is all these things and more.
Eating a healthy diet gives us the building blocks to be present for life’s precious moments. It can also help our children grow stronger and be more focused in school. All of this adds up to our living longer, fuller lives. Although the basics of healthy eating are simple, it isn’t always easy to do. Knowing what kind of fuel is best for your body is a great place to start.
Fruits Fresh fruits are best, but frozen, canned or dried fruit also deliver important vitamins and nutrients. Vegetables The wide variety of vegetables—beans, carrots, corn, salads—can win over even the pickiest eater. Dairy Fat-free and low-fat milk, yogurt and cheeses provide essential calcium. Whole grains Whole-grain breads, pastas and cereals are high in vitamins, minerals, protein, antioxidants and fiber. Protein Proteins like fish, chicken, beans and lentils help fuel your body and maintain a healthy weight.
Sources: CDC, Healthline
Our online resource center makes healthy eating easier!
Meet Tajwar
Tajwar Hossain loves to cook with her family, preparing food that is not only delicious but also good for their health. “I make sure my kids know healthy eating is important,” Tajwar says. Tajwar Hossain Home Health Aide “We love cooking daal, Personal-Touch Home Care curries and lentil soup with fresh vegetables and meat. Eating healthy foods makes us feel better and helps us Eating healthy foods stay in shape, so we avoid makes us feel better and problems down the road.” And eating healthfully is just as important when she’s helps us stay in shape, so we avoid problems away from home. “I bring down the road. sandwiches to work that we prepare ahead of time,” she says. “That helps me avoid junk food.” Tajwar’s family also offers moral support when she needs it: “Since my kids know how important healthy eating can be, they stay on top of me, always reminding me that I need to eat well.”
Eat the Rainbow
Different-colored plants are linked to higher levels of specific nutrients and health benefits—so eat the rainbow every day!
Hear from the expert!
“Eating the rainbow helps ensure you’re getting all the nutrients you need.”
Abbie Gellman, MS, RD, CDN, Registered Dietician and Chef Director of the Teaching Kitchen and Culinary Medicine at SBH Health System.
www.1199SEIUBenefits.org/Abbie-Gellman
Sign Up for WeightWatchers
WeightWatchers has a new, holistic approach that incorporates strategies to support your weight-loss goals through diet, physical activity, mindset and better sleep methods. If you have health benefits through the Benefit Fund, sign up for WeightWatchers as your New Year’s resolution!
