Families Eating Smart and Moving More

When it comes to North Carolina’s grade on nutrition and physical activity, the report card is grim. The state received a “D,” according to the 2005 North Carolina Prevention Partners. Although this is an improvement from the “F” grade that North Carolina received in 2002, there still is much room for improvement as the citizens of our state strive to improve their health. The report stated that only 23 percent of adults eat five servings of vegetables and fruits a day, 61 percent of adults are overweight or obese, and only 38 percent of adults get the recommended amount of daily activity.

North Carolina Cooperative Extension’s program “Families Eating Smart and Moving More” offers simple solutions to help families eat smart and move more.

The program includes four themes:
Eating Smart and Moving More –
Simple solutions are provided for planning, shopping, preparing and eating more meals at home. Families who eat together at home eat more fruits and vegetables and less fat. Eating at home as a family is a great way to begin to eat smart.

Eating Smart on the Run –
Eating out is a way of life for many families. Eating in restaurants often means eating more fat, sugar and calories, and fewer fruits and vegetables. Eating away from home can also mean large portion sizes and too many soft drinks. Eating Smart on the Run provides families the skills to choose wisely when eating foods away from home.

Moving More, Everyday, Everywhere –
Building physical activity into the day does not require special equipment or a special place. Families can learn ways to take advantage of everyday opportunities such as taking the stairs and parking farther away. Moving more can also be a fun family event like a trip to a park or a walk after dinner. Every step counts toward the recommended levels of activity of 30 minutes for adults and 60 minutes for children per day.

Moving More, Watching Less –
Television, computers and video games are a major part of everyday life. Moving More, Watching Less gives families simple strategies to help turn off the TV and turn on to other opportunities.

For more information about opportunities for your family to learn about the Families Eating Smart and Moving More program contact your county Cooperative Extension Center. See www.ces.ncsu.edu/

 

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