Here’s to Great Nutrition!

By Ginette Blake

Eating is so much more than just food – it’s a celebration of culture, tradition and health! Let’s celebrate nutrition by enjoying food with family and friends. Cooking more often and eating meals with others can make a difference in our overall health and well-being.

Here are some tips to nourish your body and soul:

✅ Choose foods for enjoyment, culture, traditions, budget, health and celebrations.

✅ Enjoy a variety of foods, including those recommended by Canada’s Food Guide.

✅ Include plant-based foods like tofu, beans, peas, pulses, nuts, seeds, vegetables and fruits.

✅ Listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.

✅ Cook and share meals with loved ones often.

The 2024 Nutrition Month theme was “We are Dietitians”. Dietitians are the trusted nutrition professionals that know that the foundation of a well-balanced diet is to choose nutrient rich foods.

Dietitians:

have the distinct ability to translate the complex science of nutrition into practical healthy eating solutions
use their nutrition expertise to help individuals make positive lifestyle changes
advocate for improving health through food and nutrition
work throughout our community in public health, hospitals, health and wellness centres, food companies, universities and private practice

The easiest way to access a Registered Dietitian (RD) in Ontario is via Health 811.

Do you have digestive issues like constipation or bloating? Do you have diabetes, arthritis, osteoporosis or food allergies? Or do you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease? For free nutrition information and advice, call Health 811 to speak with an RD. You can also chat virtually with an RD if you prefer. Translation services are available. Learn more: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca/static/guest/related-articles/hcns-nutrition-program

You may also ask your health care provider for a referral to an RD or check https://www.healthunit.com/in-our-community.

Submitted by Ginette Blake BASc RD on behalf to the Middlesex-London Community Early Years Partnership