More and more each day we hear increasingly mainstream messages about healthier eating habits. It’s not only become a popular trend, but it’s practically expected that the restaurants and convenience stores we frequent will offer nutritious alternatives to the standard fare we’ve all become accustomed to.

Still, having the right foods in front of us does not always guarantee that we will choose the healthiest options.

The challenge for those of us with busy lifestyles remains finding the time and ability to properly focus on incorporating the changes that will sustain our bodies from the inside out. Quick and convenient often wins, even among individuals and families who have the best health intentions.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) knows our challenges and wants to help us tackle them with some simple guidelines. Just in time for National Nutrition Month, MDHHS, through its Women, Infant, and Children (WIC) Program has launched “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” a campaign that encourages simple strategies for changing what, when and how we eat. Tips include:

• creating a style of dining that includes a variety of your favorite, healthful foods.
• cooking more at home, and experimenting with healthier ingredients.
• research restaurant menus and planning ahead to order more nutritious meals when dining out.

Readers of TheHUB know it’s easy for us to get behind MDHHS, WIC and the Michigan Fitness Foundation (MFF) in supporting campaigns that particularly benefit communities like Flint and Detroit. In this month’s issue, the Michigan Fitness Foundation-sponsored “STIR” section provides lots of suggestions to help families make sure that the most convenient choice, is also the healthiest choice.

Few things pay better dividends than keeping ourselves and our families, especially our children, healthy and safe.

Let’s do all we can to put our best forks forward during National Nutrition Month and throughout the year.

Editor’s Note: For more information about WIC or find an agency near you, call 211. For more information about healthful eating or National Nutrition Month, visit www.eatright.org.

Healthy recipes that are delicious and nutritious can also be found at mihotm.recipes

Photos: Tim Galloway

TOP TIPS: MAKING GOOD CHOICES ON THE GO

There are nights when eating out or ordering fast food is the most convenient option, but that doesn’t mean giving up on healthy eating. Keep an eye out for menus full of healthy options and add them to the rotation when you’re on the run.

EATING OUT. If you head to a full-service restaurant look for salads and main dishes that are baked, grilled or broiled because they tend to be lower in fat. Instead of pop, order fresh juices, milk or water to quench your thirst. Give the kids a choice between the two healthiest options available, like carrots and dip or yogurt.

ORDERING IN. Pizza has become a staple in many households. If it’s a favorite in your house make sure you choose the healthiest options available. Order a thin crust pizza. It has less fat and is healthier than the regular and deep dish varieties. When it comes to toppings, pack on the vegetables. Serve a salad or carrots and hummus before the pizza arrives, to get in some added fiber and nutrients.

THE FAST LANE. Today’s more health-conscious fast-food restaurants now offer great side dishes such as baked potatoes, yogurt or fresh fruit. Consider ordering single items rather than full meals. That way you’ll eat a more balanced portion. If you must order a fried menu item select the smallest size available and share it with the kids.

THE GLOVE BOX. The glove compartment is an ideal place to stash cereal and snack bars, bags of nuts or portion-size snacks for eating in the car. Fresh fruit is also a great alternative, but remember to watch for spoilage.

THE VENDING MACHINE. Vending machines now have healthier alternatives like nuts, trail mix or snack bars. In a pinch, whole wheat crackers are another option.  Dried fruit also can satisfy hunger while adding vitamins and minerals to your diet.

  Healthy Food Access, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Fitness Foundation, National Nutrition Month, Put Your Best Fork Forward, STIR, WIC