Nutrition

A nutritious diet, combined with staying hydrated and healthy sleep habits, can enhance mental clarity, boost resilience to stress, and contribute to an overall sense of wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity.

Evidence shows that nutrient-rich foods, such as whole grains, vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, lean proteins and healthy fats, provide essential vitamins and minerals that the brain needs to function optimally. A balanced diet also stabilizes blood sugar levels and prevents energy crashes, while eating a diet with excessive sugar and refined carbohydrates can result in unstable blood sugar levels and mood swings.

According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with healthy eating patterns live longer and are at lower risk for serious health problems such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity. For people with chronic diseases, healthy eating can help manage these conditions and prevent complications.

Learn More

You can learn more and get additional tips from these sites:

• Canada’s Food Guide includes information about how much of each food group to eat, recipes to make at home, tips for when you eat out. Canada’s food guide also has food guide for First nations, Inuit, and Metis: Canada’s Food Guide for First Nations, Inuit and Metis | Food Secure Canada
• CancerCare Manitoba has information about healthy diets, including how cancer can be prevented through healthier food choices, appropriate portion sizes, and local resources throughout Manitoba to help.
• Healthy eating – Diabetes Canada
• Get free advice about nutrition and eating healthy from a registered dietitian through Dial-a-Dietitian. Call 204−788−8248 or (toll-free) 1−877−830−2892.
• Home – CNS – SCN – Canadian Nutrition Society
• Doctors Manitoba | Eating healthy (gettinghealthy.ca)