Contact:
Kent Donahue
Kent.Donahue@flhealth.gov

407-858-1418

ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Department of Health in Orange County encourages the community to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits during March, which is National Nutrition Month®.

This year's theme, "Fuel for the Future," which focuses on eating with sustainability in mind, is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life (https://www.eatright.org/). A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can assist you with creating healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs.

Making a commitment to eating healthier is one of the top steps you can take to improve your overall health. An easy way to build a healthy plate is to make half your plate made up of fruits and vegetables. It is also a great way to add color, flavor, and texture plus vitamins, minerals and fiber. All these benefits are packed in fruits and vegetables that are also low in calories and fat.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offer practical consumer-friendly tips to follow and key recommendations of the Dietary Guidelines for Americans at their MyPlate website (https://www.myplate.gov/).

For over 40 years, the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program has been providing nutrition education and counseling to help families develop lifelong healthy eating habits through one-on-one counseling and group classes. With the assistance of Registered dietitians and nutritionists, participants learn:

• What to eat during pregnancy and breastfeeding
• How to feed infants and growing kids healthy foods
• How to successfully breastfeed
• Shopping for healthy foods on a budget
• How to cook healthy, delicious meals

To contact the WIC program at the Florida Department of Health in Orange County, please call 407-858-1494.

About the Florida Department of Health

The department, nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.