It is important for you to know what you are putting into your body and how it can affect you.

General Information

Getting started on a pathway to good nutritional habits and a healthier lifestyle helps your overall health.

Eating healthy helps your body grow strong and develop properly. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), diets rich in fruits and vegetables may reduce the risk of cancer and other chronic diseases. Check out a local Farmer’s Market to buy fresh and organic fruit, vegetables, meat, cheese, and other products.  Oftentimes fresh fruits and veggies can be bought at a fraction of the cost of those in grocery stores. Frozen vegetables and fruits are usually cheaper, and they’re easier to keep for long periods of time.

Did you know that you are able to get double the value of all SNAP and WIC benefits at farms stands? This means you get twice the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables from a Farmer’s Market than a grocery store! SNAP Benefits (aka EBT cards) can be used at Farmer’s Markets across the state.

Conditions such as Celiac Disease (gluten-free), Diabetes, high cholesterol or food allergies may require you to stay away from certain foods. Make sure to connect with your doctor if you have any concerns about your nutrition.

Resources

Keep ME Well!, hosted by Healthy Maine Partnerships is a website where you can assess your current health status, find local supports, and health care providers based on your area. Find this resource at www.keepmewell.org/.

Hannaford supermarkets offer FREE nutritional classes at their stores.  They also offer free advice online or in-person from dieticians.  To find a store near you visit www.hannaford.com.

Cell Phone Apps for Weight Loss/Nutrition are extremely popular. For a listing of the Top 10 Apps for healthy eating visit www.tomsguide.com/us/pictures-story/710-best-diet-nutrition-apps.html

Find a Maine Farmer’s Market near you by entering your zip code and town name into www.mainefarmersmarkets.org/shoppers/.

You can find gluten free or other dietary specific brands at http://glutenfreeresourcedirectory.com.