Success StoryNew Behaviors, New Beverages



New Behaviors, New Beverages

Author: Jacqui Denegri

Planning Unit: Fayette County CES

Major Program: Accessing Nutritious Foods (general)

Outcome: Initial Outcome

The Women’s Hope Center in Lexington Kentucky is a residential treatment center for women recovering from addiction. Many participants are learning to make healthy choices for themselves for the first time. While meals are planned and provided by the facility, the women have a say in what and how much they consume. To provide guidance in their journey the Nutrition Education Program has created an ongoing partnership with the center. Through utilization of the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum the participants were able to critically examine their nutrition choices and the results therein. One such food behavior that was dominant in the group was their dependence on high sugar, high fat, and caffeinated beverages. Upon entering the program only 27% of participants followed the USDA guidelines for soda consumption, with 31% reporting that they drank soda on a daily basis. The class tried various infused waters, and marveled at the soda display showing them how many calories and sugar they were consuming per month. They learned the signs and repercussions of dehydration and the complications that come with high consumption of sugars, fats and salt. According to the comparison of data collected at the beginning and end of the series, by the end assessment nearly 69% (68.8) had decreased their soda consumption, resulting in 72% of the class now meeting the federal guidelines recommendation.






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