Resolve to Eat Better, More Nutritious Foods for Less in 2010

Central District Health Department Provides Tips to Healthier ‘On-the-Go’ Eating

As Treasure Valley residents look to 2010 with new resolutions to eat healthier in the New Year, the Central District Health Department, together with the Nutrient Rich Food Coalition and McDonald’s of the Treasure Valley, is dedicated to helping residents make healthier, more nutrient-rich meal and snack choices…even on a budget.

To kick off the New Year, the CDHD has worked with local McDonald’s® restaurants to create Goodfitmeals.com. The new website serves as an online resource designed to make it even more convenient for residents to access McDonald’s Good Fit Meals menu and learn more about 13 wholesome meal choices that fit the nutritional standards developed by the CDHD.

In addition to detailed nutritional information, visitors will find an easy-to-download free coupon for one of more than 13 Good Fit Meal menu items available at McDonald’s. Best of all, most of the meals included on the Good Fit Meal menu cost less than $6 dollars each. Some examples of the food choices included in the Good Fit Meals menu are the Premium Southwest Salad with Grilled Chicken, Fruit ‘n Yogurt Par¬fait® with Granola, Honey Mustard Snack Wrap®, as well as drink options including 1% low fat regular or chocolate milk and 100% orange juice. To see all the Good Fit Meal menu choices, and to download a free coupon, visit www.goodfitmeals.com.

Whether at the drive-through window, the office cafe¬teria or a fine dining restaurant, knowing which menu items provide the most nutrients can go a long way to building a healthy, active lifestyle. For example, salads made with deep greens such as spinach, arugula and romaine lettuce provide more vitamins and antioxidants than salads made with iceberg and other types of lettuce lighter in color. The Nutrient Rich Foods Coalition www.NutrientRichFoods.org is dedicated to educating people on how to get more nutrition from the food they eat and the dol¬lars they spend. Here are their suggestions:

Fast Food Restaurants

Entrée salads with grilled chicken and low-calorie dressing
Bean burritos or grilled steak tacos with lots of lettuce and tomato
Baked potatoes topped with broccoli or chili and a sprinkling of shredded cheese
Yogurt parfaits made with strawberries and blueberries
Low-fat or fat-free regular or flavored milk or 100% orange juice

Office Cafeteria

Oatmeal, shredded wheat or raisin bran cereal
Whole grain bagel or English muffin with peanut butter or a slice of low-fat cheese
Omelet filled with tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach (or any veggie) paired with toast
Lean roast beef, ham or turkey sandwich piled high with veggies on whole-grain bread
A salad bar creation of dark greens and other colorful veggies, avocado slices, sunflower seeds and fruit. Top with low-fat dressing

Dining Out

Salads made with deep greens such as spinach, arugula and romaine lettuce.
Lean entrees such as beef sirloin, pork tenderloin, skinless turkey breast, fish or seafood. Ask for sauces on the side
Baked potatoes topped with salsa or grilled veggies
Stir fries loaded with broccoli, carrots, cabbage and peppers plus lean beef, lean pork, skinless chicken breast or tofu
Dishes made with brown rice, wild rice or whole wheat pasta

Quick picks from vending machines or convenience stores

Protein-packed beef jerky
Packages of baby carrots, broccoli florets or celery sticks
Mozzarella cheese sticks
Cereal bars or nutrition bars
Low-fat or fat-free regular or flavored milk

With so many more healthy, on-the-go menu choices than ever before, the CDHD hopes that its efforts to educate residents about the importance of making better meal selections will help improve the overall health and lifestyle of Treasure Valley residents.

For more information about the CDHD and its efforts to improve the lives of local residents, please visit www.cdhd.idaho.gov.