March is National Nutrition Month

March is designated as the month to focus on the importance of good nutrition and healthy lifestyles.

Sharon Black, Putnam County Hospital's registered dietician and I invite you to join us in celebrating National Nutrition Month.

Visit our booth in the Community Building at the fairgrounds during Mini-Farm Fest from 3 to 7 p.m. Thursday. (Mini-Farm Fest is part of Putnam County's annual Ag Week celebration.)

In addition to a fun game for kids of all ages, we will provide information for making healthy eating fun and uncomplicated.

A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits and vegetables, includes lean meats and is low in saturated fats. To eat well, we need to know how to make our calories count. Think nutrient--rich instead of "good" or "bad" foods. Make sure that your food choices are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients and keep your calories low.

Dieticians tell us to eat more fruits and vegetables and to focus on variety. Those who visit our "Eat Right" booth during Mini-Farm Fest will get to test their knowledge of fruits and vegetables and have an opportunity to sample a tasty vegetable recipe. Eating a variety of foods from all food groups is the best way to ensure that your body gets the nutrients you need.

As March ushers in the season of spring, let it also signal a time to evaluate eating habits and exercise. Healthy eating and physical activity don't become habits overnight. Parents can help kids improve their eating habits by making healthy choices a part of the family's routine. Visit our booth on March 19 or call for more information on ways to eat right.

Another great opportunity to learn more about how to eat right would be to enroll in the spring series of Dining with Diabetes Classes. The workshops, which are offered by the Purdue Extension Service and the Putnam County Hospital, will be taught at the Putnam County Hospital on four consecutive Thursdays from 5 to 7 p.m., starting April 2.

Dining with Diabetes classes are taught by Black and myself. Persons who attend the classes will learn how to prepare meals that are healthy, easy to prepare and taste good. Participants also learn how to modify their own recipes and menus for a healthier diet. Recipes are demonstrated and participants have the opportunity to taste many dishes that are approved for a diabetic diet.

Those attending the classes learn up-to-date information on nutrition, meal planning, exercise and how to understand common diabetes related medical tests. The classes are limited to the first 14 to register. The class costs $20 for an individual or $30 for a couple. Anyone wishing to register for Dining with Diabetes can contact the Putnam County Extension Office at 209 W. Liberty Street Greencastle, 46135 or 653-8411 or stop by our booth during Mini-Farm Fest for a registration form.

You can contact the local Purdue Extension Office for more information regarding this week's column topic or to RSVP for upcoming events. It is always best to call first to assure items are ready when you arrive and to RSVP for programs. While many publications are free, some do have a fee.

Upcoming Events

Today: Where Does Your Money Go? Courthouse Annex

March 17-19: Putnam County Ag Day Events

March 17: Ag Week Breakfast, Fairgrounds, 6-8 a.m.

March 18: Ext. Homemaker District Meeting, Ellettsville

March 19: Mini-Farm Fest, Fairgrounds, 6:30 PM

March 23: Where Does Your Money Go? Courthouse Annex

March 23: Small Farm Work Group, County Annex, 6-8 p.m.

March 26: Private Applicator Program, Putnam Fairgrounds, 1 p.m.

March 30: 4-H Open Enrollment & Registration Night, Extension Office, 5-7 p.m.

March 31: Fish Cage Construction Workshop, Spencer, 6 p.m.

April 1: 4-H Enrollment Forms Due

April 2, 9, 16, 23: Dining with Diabetes Classes-Advance registration required

April 28: Extension Homemakers Spring Dessert, Fairgrounds 7 p.m.