BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – The Jefferson County Department of Health is celebrating National Nutrition Month with the theme “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlighting steps residents can take to build strength, increase energy, and support their immune systems.
WIC Nutrition Services Coordinator Micah Madsen said the first step toward a healthier body is eating more fruits and vegetables. She said most Americans are not getting the recommended five servings per day and that half of every meal plate should ideally be filled with whole foods.
Not all fruits and vegetables are equal
Madsen said the color of a fruit or vegetable is the easiest way to identify its nutrient content.
“The easiest way for a consumer to tell what the most nutritious or highest nutrient content fruits and vegetables are is by the color of the fruits and vegetables,” Madsen said. “The brightest, most bold colors are going to have the highest nutrient content. That’s where things like blueberries, raspberries that are those deep reds and purples. The kale and the spinach that are the dark green compared to an iceberg lettuce that is a pale green.”
Protein and processed meats
Madsen said protein is also an important part of a balanced diet. She said consumers choosing meat should be able to identify what animal it came from, such as a pork chop or chicken breast…