HER HEALTH

HEALTH

Grab

a Fork AND LET THE Sunshine IN

BY CHEF LAISHA PONDER

Oprah Winfrey once said, “You can never be happy living someone else’s dream. Live your own. And you will for sure know the meaning of happiness.” Happiness is an found in specific foods such as salmon, tuna fish, fortified orange juice, egg yolk and fortified cereals. Daily, consistent consumption of these foods will increase the likelihood of reaching recominside job. How we feel about ourselves establishes our level of contentment. Often, good food can cause feelings of bliss. Comfort food has the ability to leave a smile on your face and your tummy full.

Eating a varied diet is often suggested by healthcare providers and is helpful for many reasons. Eating balanced meals can lead to consumption of more Vitamin D rich foods. Vitamin D is also known as the happiness vitamin. We can attribute bone health, strong immune systems and muscle growth as benefits of Vitamin D. In addition, research has shown Vitamin D may play an important role in decreasing the risk of depression.1 Recommended daily levels of Vitamin D within the body can make severe flu and COVID-19 infections less likely.

While the rays of the sun can provide this protective vitamin, food can as well! Vitamin D can be mended daily Vitamin D levels. Your local WIC (Women, Infants and Children) office provides food packages that are rich in Vitamin D for qualified community members. Also, check with your healthcare provider to determine other ways that you can increase Vitamin D intake. Enjoy the benefits of Vitamin D in this flavorful Tuna Salad this Spring.

Chef LaiSha Ponder is a Washington, D.C. native who enjoys creating fusion healthy cuisine. Currently,

Chef LaiSha is a WIC nutritionist and breastfeeding coordinator at the

Pitt County Health Department. She enjoys educating clients about the