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With Thanksgiving marking  the kick-off to the holiday season and a time where individuals often struggle with too many treats and excess calories, the American Heart Association has marked November as Eat Smart Month,  an initiative that focuses on the importance of eating smarter.  This national public awareness observance focuses on making small, simple changes to incorporate healthier foods into a daily diet. 

For those who want to take control of their health and lives, it’s easier said than done!  Eating healthy doesn’t have to mean dieting or individuals giving up all the foods they love. It means individuals making smart choices, like learning to ditch the junk, giving their body the nutrient-dense fuel it needs, and being more aware of what’s on their plate.  This initiative can be implemented not only during the holiday season but throughout the year!

To assist in the promotion of Eat Smart Month and heathy eating in the community, the American Heart Association has developed a FREE  full kit of resources.  This educational toolkit contains the following:

Daily tips
Articles
Healthy Food and Beverage Toolkit
Seasonal Eating
Sodium information
2018 Holiday Eating Guide
 

One of the great things about Eat Smart Month is that it takes place as the holiday season approaches. Holidays are about family, and it is a great opportunity to involve the whole family.  Kids can help with meal planning, grocery shopping and even cooking. Let each family member be chef for a day and take charge of a particular meal. Encourage older kids to make a game of reading food labels at the grocery store. Let younger kids pick out new types of fruits and vegetables to try. There are many ways to get the family involved!

The American Heart Association encourages individuals to implement this special initiative by making healthy choices every day creating a lasting habit that will keep them happy and healthy for a long time!   

To commemorate Eat Smart Month, individuals/groups can consider holding some type of healthy foods or healthy eating activity during November.

To review the toolkit, visit https://newjersey.heart.org/ eat-smart-month-resources/ and network this information with your personal and professional contacts, particularly families, .teachers, school nurses, places of employment, employees, and community organizations.  Please raise awareness and promote Eat Smart Monthduring the 2018 holiday season and throughout the new year of 2019!

Attached is a flyer from the toolkit titled, “Eat Smart Month-Daily Tips” for your review.