NHCH Urges Everyone to ‘Go Further with Food’

Whether its starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose make a difference. Preparing your foods to go further by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help reduce food loss and waste.

During National Nutrition Month, North Hawai‘i Community Hospital and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics urges everyone to “Go Further with Food.”

According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the amount of safe food wasted in the United States is on the rise. By making small changes to the way we think about eating, we can help reduce food waste while maintaining or improving health though good nutrition.

Here are a few tips:

• Shop locally – Shopping locally can be a great way to add healthful foods to your diet while conserving natural resources. Food purchased at farmers markets often is more affordable.
• Prepare meals in advance – Prepare meals in advance to enjoy throughout the week. Preparing several meals on the weekends can provide balanced meals that can be reheated throughout the week. Cooking in bulk saves money and allows you to portion and freeze meals for later. It’s a great way to eat healthfully, save time during the week and reduce food waste.
• Store food correctly – Store food correctly to reduce waste and lower your grocery bill. Good food often goes bad before we get the chance to eat it. Before going to the grocery store, check inside your refrigerator. Eat what you already have at home before buying more, and freeze extra food, such as fruits or meats, to extend shelf life.

For more information about nutrition and healthy eating, visit online.