This holiday season is a great opportunity to visit with family and friends and enjoy some festive seasonal treats, and it’s important to eat well and work in some exercise to help support a healthier lifestyle year-round.

Why not take some time to make a commitment to yourself right now? Here are a few handy tips, courtesy of Healthy Families BC and the dietitians at HealthLink BC:

• Bring nutritious meals to potlucks, like a vegetable and protein-rich salad, to guarantee you have something healthy to eat.
• Drink water to satisfy thirst and limit liquid calories. It’s amazing how fast they add up.
• Watch your portion sizes. Fill half your plate with vegetables and fruit or use a napkin instead of filling up a plate with appetizers.
• Let yourself enjoy the event. Make your goals realistic and accessible.

Eating healthier isn’t just for the holidays. Get some feedback on your dietary needs and nutrition from a registered dietitian at HealthLink BC by calling 8-1-1 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dietitian services are also available anytime by email at www.healthlinkbc.ca/healthyeating/. This service is free of charge and good for everyone, from seniors and families to athletes. The service also offers translation in more than 130 languages.

Registered dietitians are regulated health professionals who use their knowledge and skills in food and nutrition to promote good health. They can provide advice on a variety of nutrition concerns, including: eating healthily on a budget; help for dietary needs for any age and stage; and support to make positive changes in eating habits to promote health and prevent chronic diseases, like high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease and cancer.

Looking for more information on ways to improve your health? Check out the wide variety of resources online at HealthLink BC (www.healthlinkbc.ca) and Healthy Families BC (www.healthyfamiliesbc.ca).

Make your health a priority this festive season and reap the rewards year-round.

For an audio clip of Health Minister Terry Lake speaking about healthy eating, please visit: https://soundcloud.com/bcgov/minister-lake-healthy-eating-december-20-2014/s-2XBN0

Media Contacts:

Kristy Anderson
Media Relations Manager
Ministry of Health
250 952-1887 (media line)