By Craig DeSilva
Eating is a big part of our local culture and everyday living. It’s often the centerpiece for gatherings and celebrations. And comfort foods that remind us of our youth and growing up can have a positive psychological affect on our mood.
There’s no arguing the power of food. But eating too much – especially foods high in fat, sugar, salt and calories – have resulted in a national health crisis. The number of obese people nationwide has doubled within 20 years, from 15 percent of the U.S. population in the 1970s to 30 percent by 2000.
Studies show overweight people are at higher risk for developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, hypertension and other illnesses. These conditions lower a person’s quality of life and contribute to the overall cost of health care due to expensive treatments.
How can we make the right food choices that will satisfy our hunger, yet still keep us healthy?
HMSA wants to help you make healthy lifestyle choices. In January 2008, HMSA launched the eat healthy campaign to encourage people to make smarter eating choices. This multifaceted campaign provides positive messages to help you eat healthy, and features fun family activities and informative and entertaining media messages with practical nutritional advice and tips.
Most important, the campaign will show you that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. You can prepare nutritious meals that are also flavorful and tasty for you and the entire family. You can start by making small changes. Substitute half of the white rice you cook with brown rice to make “hapa rice” (brown rice provides more nutrients and fiber than white rice). Instead of having ice cream for dessert, try low-fat frozen yogurt. Substitute hamburger meat in your spaghetti or chili with low-fat ground turkey.
A healthy diet can help you lose excess weight and maintain a healthy weight. Studies show that eating certain foods can help ward off cancer, manage diabetes, aid in digestion, lower cholesterol and high blood pressure, and give you more energy. By raising public awareness about the benefits of eating healthy, HMSA will demonstrate how we can all enjoy a healthy, active life.
Here’s what you can expect from HMSA’s eat healthy Campaign:
- Healthy cooking demonstrations throughout communities statewide.
- A web site (www.hmsa.com/eat) offering valuable information about the importance of proper nutrition, healthy eating tips, and recipes the entire family can enjoy, and other information encouraging people to eat healthy.
- Feature articles in Island Scene magazine and on Island Scene Online (www.islandscene.com).
- Healthy eating messages in print and on radio and TV, including HMSA Now on digital cable channel 344.
- More fun activities for the entire family to enjoy.
No matter how old you are or what your health status, you can benefit from making smarter food choices. We’re not saying you should never eat a hamburger or indulge in a malassada. It’s OK to treat yourself now and then. But adopting good eating habits can help make healthy eating part of your lifestyle instead of a chore.
Eat smart. Eat healthy. Enjoy!
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