I have had the pleasure to collaborate with the seniors and the Livingston County Senior Center over the past several months as the Nutrition Education Program Assistant in Livingston County. As we know it is hard to change lifelong habits that we have had since we were children or even as young adults. However, Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum shows that making small changes can help us make new habits. 

I noticed when starting classes within the center everyone needed to improve their diet by eating more fruit and vegetables. So, I decided to emphasize the MyPlate lesson, which is my favorite lesson of the series. The benefits of expanding our menus to make sure we are getting our five food groups are important to a child and just as important as an adult. I explained that adding more red, orange, and dark green vegetables and fruit to their daily diet will benefit their nutrient intake. These benefits could decrease the risk of obesity, heart disease or other health issues that may arise. 

This lesson showed 83% of participants had improved in one or more diet quality indicators. This could have been eating more fruits and vegetables or even drinking less regular soda (not diet) and other sugary drinks. This could even mean they started cooking more at home and choosing the healthier options. 

Making small changes when we are at home or eating out at restaurants can make a substantial difference. Choose a salad or steamed vegetables over French fries’ next time. Or a glass of water over a soda. These minor changes can make a significant difference and when your family sees your changes that will encourage them to make a change too.