MONTHLY FACT SHEET PUBLISHED BY THE FAMILY AND CONSUMER SCIENCES DIVISION
JULY
NFuactrt iStihoenet
Strong, healthy families are the foundation of American communities, and family and community well-being is a shared priority of all Americans. Through research and education, the Prairie View A&M University Cooperative Extension Program’s Family and Consumer Sciences component helps strengthen families and communities. Family and Consumer Sciences area of focus include Nutrition and Childhood Obesity, Food Safety, Health and Wellness, Parenting, Financial/Money Management, and Bullying.
Eating Healthy at Social Gatherings I must admit, that while I have been working really hard to eat healthy at home, I am tempted to devour everything in front of me when I am attending my family reunions and social gatherings especially when my favorite dishes are presented to me. According to Dr. Karen Ensle of Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Union County, dining out can be very challenging when you are trying to balance healthy foods with foods high in fat.
Dr. Ensle also explains that selecting “heart healthy foods are not always easy because you have no control over food preparation by others”. Identifying some strategies to help us make the best choices during social gatherings will not only assist us with consuming the right food and managing portion control. “The good news is that you can eat healthfully and reduce calories by filling half your holiday plate with fruits and vegetables”(Clemson University).
5 TIPS When Attending Gatherings
(source: Rutgers University Cooperative Extension & Clemson Cooperative Extension)
1. Eat before you go. Consume a healthy meal at home. This will fill your tummy with healthy delights before heading out.
2. Place limits. Establish what your limits are before walking out of the door to the event. Ex. One plate and one drink.
3. Drinks lots of water and eat fruits and veggies. Find the veggie and fruit platter; but avoid the dipping sauces. You can consume as much as you want without consuming lots of calories.
4.
Bring your own If it is a potluck gathering bring your own yummy healthy dish. Not only will you have a guaranteed healthy option but you will be exposing other attendees to a healthy choice.
5.
SAY NO It’s okay to say no to someone who is offering you something that isn’t very healthy. Just politely say “no thank you, but everything is amazing!”
Be an Example for your Family and Friends!!
TIP ONE: Make your own healthy choices about food and physical activity. TIP TWO: Allow children to make choices from food and activities you provide. Source: ChooseMyPlate.gov
By Danielle Y. Hairston Green, Program Specialist, Family and Consumer Sciences Prairie View A&M University College of Agriculture and Human Sciences Cooperative Extension Program
www.pvamu.edu/cahs
SOURCES: Websites ChooseMyPlate Clemson University Extension Rutgers University Cooperative Extension
http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/downloads/tentips/DGTipsheet20MakeCelebrations.pdf http://www.clemson.edu/extension/hgic/hot_topics/2011/pdf/htn%201211.pdf http://njaes.rutgers.edu/sshw/message/message.asp?p=Health&m=95
The Cooperative Extension Program serves people of all ages regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability, political beliefs, and marital or family status. (Not all classes are protected by legal statutes).