LifeMatters: Making Healthy Food Choices

The food choices you make have a huge impact on your physical health and overall wellbeing. The next time you shop for groceries or visit a restaurant, consider these tips: 

• Choose fresh, raw fruits and vegetables over processed or canned varieties. Fresh fruits and vegetables provide necessary vitamins, minerals and fiber.

• Choose foods with minimal added ingredients. A whole-grain, all-natural bread with a short list of ingredients is usually healthier than bread with a long list of additives.

• Opt for lean proteins, such as turkey or skinless chicken breast, seafood and fish. Other good sources of protein include egg whites, low-fat yogurt or cheese, skim milk, beans, lentils and chickpeas.

• Bake or cook with monounsaturated fats, such as olive oil.

• Be wary of “label hype.” Some products that say “fat free” may be high in sodium, sugar or calories. Check the product information on the back of the package for the food’s actual nutritional benefit.

• Opt for healthier sides, such as salad in place of fries, when ordering restaurant food. Some restaurants will provide helpful information on the menu, such as the number of calories or whether a food option is a “heart-healthy” meal.

• When you travel, plan ahead by looking up the available restaurant options near your destination. For road trips, consider packing a cooler with healthy meals and snacks rather than eating out for the entire journey.

If you are struggling to make healthy food choices, LifeMatters can help. Available resources include: 

• The Financial Consultation Service can help you review your grocery budget.

• Visit mylifematters.com to:
  

Monthly Features - Don’t forget to check out this month’s webinar along with LifeMatters’ monthly tip – both can be found on the dashboard on www.mylifematters.com, password: Danos1.

LifeMatters Services

If you, or someone in your family, are experiencing difficult times, please contact LifeMatters by phone, 1.800.634.6433, or text “Hello” to 61295 to be connected with a professional counselor.  Counselors are available to assist with emotional wellbeing, finances, and legal concerns.  This service is available 24/7/365.  LifeMatters also has a free app – go to your app store to download.

Please contact Avie Fontenot, Human Resources Project Manager, with questions or feedback at avie.fontenot@danos.com or by phone at 985.219.3334.