Welcome to Get Healthy Guilford Obesity Coalition!

Next Meeting: Tuesday, October 4, 2011

NEWS

Tour de Health HAS BEEN POSTPONED. More info to come.

EATING SMART ON THE RUN: WHAT CHOICES ARE IN THE VENDING MACHINES NEAR YOU?

Sometimes you need a snack or a meal and the only option is a vending machine. Perhaps you've been frustrated by the choices available as we have.

3 THINGS TO REMEMBER ABOUT VENDING CHOICES:

1. CHOOSE WATER. If water is not available, choose 100% fruit juice, 100% vegetable juice, skim milk, or diet soda.

2. AVOID "EMPTY CALORIES." Items like pretzels, baked chips, and animal crackers are healthier than candy bars or pastries, but don't offer much nutritional value.

3. MAKE A SMART CHOICE. Choose items that have some protein and carbohydrates with less sugar, fat, and sodium. These include whole wheat nabs, nuts (in appropriate portion sizes), sunflower seeds, fruit chips, fresh or canned fruit cups, applesauce, fresh vegetables, low fat string cheese, low fat yogurt, low fat smoothies, salads, and low sodium soups.

If your school or workplace doesn't have healthy choices in the machines, make a request. Vendors will provide what people are buying. Even better, carry portable snacks with you, such as apples, nuts, raisins, graham crackers with nut butter, or popcorn. This will save you money also.

Obesity remains a serious & urgent health problem.
Racial/ethnic disparities persist. See the full report here