All it takes is a moment to change a lifetime. See why these real Vermonters decided it was time to make a healthy change for themselves and their families. This site has the information and tools you need to help make your moment now.

       > Understanding Your Health

Understanding Your Health

Staying a healthy weight is one of the most important things you can do for your overall health. By staying a healthy weight, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.  A healthy weight can also help control other conditions such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and diabetes.

First find out if you are a healthy weight and if not, see what small steps you can take to get there.

Am I a healthy weight?

It can be hard to tell if you are an unhealthy weight. Many people say their weight “slowly crept up on them” before they even realized it. Use these techniques and tools to help you figure out if you are perhaps an unhealthy weight then see what small steps you can take to get your weight under control.

 

Measure Your Middle

If you're a man and your waist measures more than 40 inches or a woman whose waist measures more than 35 inches, you are at increased risk of developing health problems such as heart disease, high blood pressure and diabetes. To correctly measure your waist, stand and place a tape measure around your middle, just above your hipbones. Measure your waist just after you breathe out.

Measuring your BMI (Body Mass Index)

Another way to see if your weight falls within a healthy range is to know your BMI (Body Mass Index). Find out if your weight is putting you at risk for obesity-related diseases such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes and heart disease. Find your BMI.

How does my weight affect my health?

Many people think some types of disease are inherited, but they really are more closely related to our eating and exercise habits. If you are overweight, losing just 5-10% of your total weight can cut your chances of getting:

Diabetes

Diabetes develops when your body does not produce enough insulin or when your body does not effectively use the insulin it does produce. Too much body fat decreases the body’s ability to use insulin leading to Type 2 diabetes. Losing weight helps you to use the insulin you make better and improves blood sugar control.

Click here for more information about preventing diabetes.

Heart Disease

Heart disease or “cardiovascular disease” is a general term used to describe a range of conditions that affect your heart. The various diseases that fall under this include diseases of your blood vessels, heart rhythm problems, heart infections and heart defects you’re born with.

By achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, you can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Click here for more information about preventing heart disease.

High Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is how hard your blood pushes against the walls of your arteries when your heart pumps blood. High blood pressure or “hypertension” occurs when the force of blood pushing against artery walls is excessively high. Lack of physical activity and being over weight are two large factors that play into high blood pressure.

It is important to keep your blood pressure in a healthy range. This will help reduce your risk of coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and kidney failure.

Click here for more information about preventing high blood pressure.

High Blood Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a waxy substance that is found in the fats in your blood. Your body produces cholesterol naturally and you can get it from the foods you eat. Fatty meats, egg yolks and cheese all have cholesterol in them. Your body makes all of the cholesterol it needs. If you have too much cholesterol in your body, it can build up inside your blood vessels and make it hard for blood to flow.

By lowering your cholesterol intake, you can dramatically reduce your risk of heart disease and stroke.

Click here for more information about preventing high blood cholesterol.

How do I get to a healthy weight?

To lose weight, you need to burn more calories than you eat each day. Eating healthy foods and getting more physical activity can help you lower your weight and your risk for certain conditions.

Calories are the energy in the foods you eat. You burn calories when you are physically active.

Find out how many calories your body needs each day. Are you a healthy eater? Find out by taking this short quiz.

Check out the Small Steps section of this site to see where you can start.

       > Small Steps

Small Steps

Taking steps to live a happier and healthier life doesn’t need to be difficult. Start small with things you can do. This section will give you handy tips to help deal with some of the common reasons you don’t get enough exercise or eat healthier food.

       > Small Steps > Eating Healthy

Eating Healthy

Eating healthy is an important part of living a healthy life. This section has tips and tools to help you and your family stay healthy and feel your best. Click the images below to get started by learning how to plan meals, shop smarter, understand nutrition labels, and more.

 
 

Eating Out

Eating out can be easy and fun, but it is difficult to eat healthy in a restaurant. Some common restaurant meals such as fish and chips, or steak and potatoes, might have over 1200 calories (that’s over half of your recommended daily amount for an average adult)!

 

Did you know?

For most adults, eating just one meal away from home each week leads to two pounds of weight gain a year.

 

Here are a few helpful tips for eating healthy outside of your home

Don’t order on an empty stomach

Eat a piece of fruit or a small, light snack before heading out to a restaurant. You’ll make better choices if you’re not hungry.

Hold the fries

They’re tempting and often delicious, but fries are just extra calories and sodium. Try substituting your side of fries for salad or vegetable soup.

Take it slow

Most restaurant meals come with a lot more food than we need. Get more for your money by taking home half of your meal to eat the next day. Try asking for a container before your food arrives. When it does, put half in the container right away. This will help you not to over eat AND you’ll get an extra meal!

Words to watch out for

Avoid these menu items when ordering: Pan Fried, Crispy, Dipped, Scalloped, Creamy, Basted, or Breaded. Instead look for menu items that are Grilled, Steamed, Poached, and Baked. Additionally, these words usually mean something is high in salt: Marinated, Pickled, Smoked, Breaded, Brine, Au Jus, Teriyaki or Broth.

Watch what you drink

Order water, soda water, unsweetened ice tea or lower-fat milk. Avoid soda, and sugary drinks. Use milk instead of cream in your coffee.

On the side

Order your salad dressing on the side. Restaurants often over-dress their salads, adding a lot of calories. Similarly, sauces and gravy can be high in both salt and fat. Either ask to skip them altogether or request them on the side so you can control how much you put on.

Order to share

Order two salads and then split an entrée with a friend or family member.

Choose Fast Food Wisely

Fast food doesn’t have to add a lot of extra fat and calories to your diet. When you eat at a fast food restaurant try the following tips:

  • Order the smallest hamburger or sandwich on the menu (a kids' size is perfect). Leave off the cheese, mayonnaise, and "special sauce".
  • Get lean meat (turkey, chicken, roast beef) on your sandwich, and ask for chicken or fish to be broiled or grilled instead of fried.
  • Pick pizza with thin crust, cheese, and vegetables.
  • Get baked chips instead of regular chips or fries.
  • Skip fried foods like battered fish, onion rings, egg rolls, or fried tacos.
  • Choose restaurants that offer healthier options. Fast food restaurants in Vermont list nutritional information on their menus. Look for items lower in calories, saturated fat, and sodium to help you make smart choices.

Back To Eating Healthy
       > Small Steps > Eating Healthy > Portion Control

How much should I be eating?

It can be difficult to know how much and what types of food you should be eating for a healthy and balanced diet. With today’s portion sizes, it’s easy to over-eat without even realizing it.

Whether you are trying to lose weight or maintain your current weight, here are three steps to help you.

  1. Figure out what you currently eat and drink
  2. Find out what you should eat and drink to reach your goals
  3. Track your progress and see where you can make improvements

This website has excellent tools to help you stay on track.

Over the years portion sizes have steadily increased along with the number of high fat and high calorie foods.

Comparing real portions to everyday items is an easy way to help understand portion sizes.

Here are two useful tools to give you a good idea what one serving looks like for a wide range of foods.


Back To Eating Healthy
       > Small Steps > Eating Healthy > Fruits And Vegetables

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies are generally low in fat and calories, and high in nutrients. Eating more fruits and vegetables can help you feel full with fewer calories and help you achieve and maintain a healthy body weight. Here are some good things about fruits and vegetables.

Disease fighter!

Vegetables and fruit are a major source of important vitamins and nutrients that can help reduce the risk of some types of cancer, heart disease and stroke.

Potassium!

Fruits and vegetables are full of this mineral, which can help lower blood pressure.

Fiber!

Fiber helps keep your digestive system healthy. Eating more fiber has been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer.

Color!

In general, the darker the color of a vegetable or fruit, the higher its nutrient value. Enjoy a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to get the greatest benefits from them.

Most kids love fruit but may not like vegetables.

What’s a parent to do? Help children enjoy their greens – and reds, yellows, oranges, blues and purples! Show your kids that vegetables and fruit can be fun!

  • They crunch…
  • They snap…
  • They “shmoosh”…
  • And you can pick them up with your fingers and dip them in yummy sauces!
 

Did you know?

Children who sit with their family for meals eat more fruits and vegetables.

 

Involve your children in buying and preparing vegetables and fruit. Let them pick a new fruit or vegetable to try. At home they’re more likely to eat foods they help prepare. Give them tasks they can handle. A three-year old can bring ingredients from the refrigerator to the counter and then can tear salad greens. An older child can measure ingredients and prepare simple dishes with your help. Teenagers can take some – or all – responsibility for meal preparation.

Here is a helpful website with great information about how to add more fruits and vegetables to your family’s diet:

http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/


Back To Eating Healthy

Meal Planning

Planning ahead is key to maintaining a healthy diet. When we don’t plan ahead, we tend to choose the less healthy option because it’s easier. Good meal planning requires smart shopping.

Having a meal plan makes writing a grocery list easy, which saves time wandering the aisles at the store and having to go out at the last minute for missing ingredients. A meal plan helps you stick to your budget and get food on the table more quickly, which keeps the family fed and healthy.

How to meal plan:

  1. Set aside a little quiet time each week to make a meal plan.
  2. Use these meal planning examples to help you get started.
  3. Get the family together and brainstorm healthy meal and snack ideas for the week.
    1. Consider what foods are already in the fridge, freezer and pantry.
    2. Start with family favorites, and then try adding something new.
    3. Look through cookbooks or recipe websites to inspire you.
  4. Use your meal plan to create a shopping list.
  5. Tack your meal plan to the fridge door and try to stick to it.
  6. Enjoy your week of meals and snacks.

Here are some other helpful tips for meal planning:

  • Avoid temptation. The best way to not eat unhealthy foods is to not buy them or keep them in your home.
  • Eating a healthy breakfast is important. Starting your day with some whole grains and lean protein will give you energy for the whole day and help keep you full.
  • Keep healthy snacks handy. Fresh and dried fruits and natural nuts are delicious and filling. Keeping them in your home and where you work helps you avoid temptation because you always have something healthy close by.

Cook together. Eat together. Talk together. Make mealtime family time.

Back To Eating Healthy
       > Small Steps > Eating Healthy > Reading Nutrition Labels

Reading Nutrition Labels

When you buy packaged food, you will see that it has a Nutrition Label with important information about the contents of the food.

Nutrition labels give you information about:

  • Calories
  • Core nutrients
  • % Daily value (% DV)

The Percent Daily Value on the Nutrition Facts label is a guide to the nutrients in one serving of food. For example, if the label lists 15 percent for calcium, it means that one serving provides 15 percent of the calcium you need each day.

 

Did you know?

When using the % DV to make healthy choices, consider the serving size listed on the Nutrition Label to be sure you are comparing similar amounts of food.

 

You can use the Daily Value (DV) to compare two different food products to make the healthiest choice. Or you can use the daily value (DV) to choose products that are higher in the nutrients you want, and more of and lower in the nutrients you want less of.

The daily value (DV) is based on a 2000-calorie (per day) diet. A good rule to remember is to look for items that have less than 5% DV for Total fat, cholesterol and sodium, but more than 15% DV for vitamins, fiber and other good nutrients.


Click the Nutrition Label to learn more

All of the information on the Nutrition Label is based on a specific serving size of food such as 172g. The serving size is always found at the top of the Nutrition Label.

A healthy diet for you and your family depends on finding and choosing lower calorie and lower fat foods that are rich in essential nutrients. The Nutrition Label tells you exactly what’s in the food. Here are some tips to help you understand the Nutrition Label:

Remember!

  • Always check your serving size and the number of servings per container. This helps you determine not only one serving but also, what’s in the whole container. Watch how much you eat. If you eat two servings you need to double the amount of calories and other items on the label.
  • Limit these ingredients: Total fat, saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol and sodium. (sodium = salt)
  • Be sure to get plenty of Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin D, Potassium, Calcium, Fiber and Iron.

Back To Eating Healthy
       > Small Steps > Eating Healthy > Smart Shopping

Smart Shopping

Shopping for healthy foods can seem tough. There’s so much to choose from, and it may seem like there is never enough time or money to buy what you need.

Here are some great ways to save money on food:

  1. Look for sales – Read the flyers. When foods you like are on sale, plan your meals around the deals.
  2. Plan your meals for the week – Think about how you will use the ingredients. If you’re buying broccoli but only need half the amount for a recipe, pick a recipe for another day that will use the rest, or buy frozen broccoli. There will be no waste and the rest can be saved for when you need it. Plan when you will eat leftovers.
  3. Choose foods in season or try frozen – Foods like fresh berries are expensive out of season. Try frozen for good quality and better value.
  4. Make a list and stick to it – Include all the ingredients and snacks you will need for the week.
  5. Cut down on “convenience foods” – Ready to eat or prepared foods usually cost more for less food. You can prepare dinner the night before so when you get home you can just put it in the oven.
  6. Compare brands – Different brands might have very different prices but be almost of the same quality. Read the labels to get the best value.
  7. Buy bulk – Buy meat in large packages to save money. Freeze portions that you don’t use right away.
  8. Use a slow-cooker – Slow-cooking saves cooking time and cooking meat slowly can turn cheaper cuts of meat into a tender delicious meal.
  9. Try dried or canned beans, and canned fish – These foods are a good source of protein and can be used in many different ways.

Other helpful hints to shop smarter:

  • Start shopping on the outside aisles in the grocery store. The center aisles are where more costly pre-packaged and heavily processed foods are sold.
  • Don’t shop when you’re hungry. When you are hungry, you are more likely to buy foods that are higher in fat and calories.
  • Buy canned or frozen fruits and vegetables (but make sure canned fruits are in their own juices and not sugary syrup and vegetables are low in sodium/salt).
  • Click here for additional tips to help you shop smarter and healthier for your family.


    Back To Eating Healthy

Sugary Drinks

Sugary drinks are beverages that have sugar or sugar syrups added to them. These include energy drinks, fruit drinks, soda, sports drinks, slushes, specialty coffee and tea drinks, and vitamin-enhanced waters.

They are high in calories and offer little to no vitamins or nutrients, making them empty calories. Here are a few facts to know about sugary drinks:

  • Calories from drinks don't fill us up or give us any benefit.
  • Some large drinks contain as many calories as a whole meal.
  • Too many calories from all sources, including sugary drinks can lead to weight gain and risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease.
  • The sugar in these drinks can lead to cavities and tooth pain.

Calories from sugary drinks can add up fast. Drinking one 20 oz sugary drink a day is enough calories for 26 pounds of weight per year. All that sugar can lead to a wide range of health issues for you and your children, including diabetes.

Think about just how much sugar you are drinking when you have one of these beverages.

How can we choose a healthier option?

  • Drink more water instead of a sugary drink; dress it up with a squeeze of lemon, lime or orange for a calorie free drink.
  • Water is both calorie and sugar free. It helps you stay hydrated, alert and energized.
  • Always try to choose drinks with no added sugar.
  • Look out for these words on the ingredient list because they mean sugar has been added:
    • sugar, brown sugar, cane sugar, beet sugar, sugar/glucose-fructose, dextrose, high fructose corn syrup, maltose, sucrose, fruit juice concentrates, honey, molasses, maltodextrin, agave syrup, malt syrup, maple syrup and syrup.
  • There is little nutritional difference between the types of sugar. Try to limit the amount of ANY of these that you drink.

Try drinking water, check out how you can join The Drink Up Movement happening across the country!


Back To Eating Healthy
       > Small Steps > Getting Active

Getting Active

Physical activity doesn’t have to involve classes or expensive equipment. There are many ways to fit physical activity into your daily routine. Choose activities that you enjoy the most because it will be more likely that you will continue doing them. However, if you still find it difficult to get motivated, consider joining an organized class or group and getting active with someone you know.

 
 
       > Small Steps > Getting Active > Getting Started

Getting Started

Today is YOUR day, so make it an active one. Doing just 30 minutes of physical activity a day can help you.

  • Feel Better
  • Live Longer
  • Lose Weight
  • Sleep Better
  • Get Stronger
  • Improve Focus
  • Lower Cholesterol
  • Have More Energy
  • Improve Confidence
  • Strengthen Your Bones
  • Control Blood Sugar Levels
  • Reduce Anxiety & Depression
  • Decrease Risk For High Blood Pressure

“The secret of getting ahead is getting started.”

- Mark Twain

So get up and get active. Your moment is now.

Here are some great low and moderate impact options to get your started:

Think you’re already pretty active? Find out by taking this short quiz.


Back To Getting Active

Setting Goals

You’re inspired. You’re ready to get moving. It’s time to set some goals for yourself. Here are some tips for goal setting.

  • Be specific. Set precise daily, weekly, and monthly goals.
  • Be realistic. If you make goals too difficult, you might get discouraged. For example, if you have not been exercising, don’t expect to run a half marathon after only a couple weeks of running. Goals should be challenging but attainable.
  • Set measurable goals. Walk or run for a specific distance or within a certain amount of time. Try to improve by 10% each week.
  • Be vocal. Tell friends and family about your goals and don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice.
  • Track your progress. Have fun. Getting in shape is a great opportunity to be social and get involved with new activities. Join a local sports league or download a fun fitness app.
  • Celebrate successes. Treat yourself to small prizes after reaching each weekly goal (a pedicure, some frozen yogurt, a date night, etc.) Reward yourself with larger prizes after reaching monthly goals.
  • Have faith in yourself. Confidence is key. You know you can do this. All you need to do is prove it to yourself.


 

Did you know?

Research shows that people who write out goals not only end up achieving them but also have higher ratings for overall success and life satisfaction.

 

So get up and get active. Your moment is now.

Print out this Goal Setting Worksheet to help track your short and long-term activity goals.


Back To Getting Active
       > Small Steps > Getting Active > Overcoming Challenges

Overcoming Challenges

You’re busy. We get it. Between work and family time, it’s tough to find a spare moment to exercise. Here are some fun and easy ways to overcome daily challenges.

I don’t have enough time.

Even the busiest person can find 20-30 minutes in their day to get active. Here are some tips to fit physical activity into your busy schedule:

  • Walk or ride your bike to work or shopping
  • Park farther away from your destination
  • Take the stairs instead of the elevator
  • Walk your dog or your neighbor’s dog
  • Exercise while you watch TV
  • Do something active during your lunch hour

Have a desk job?

That’s okay! There are plenty of ways to get exercise throughout the workday. Click here for workplace exercise tips.

I don’t have the energy.

  • Find a walking partner to motivate each other
  • Try exercising at different times of the day to see when you have the most energy
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Get active with your kids – make play time fun and active
  • Once you get moving, your energy level will go up

I’m afraid of injuring myself.

It’s important to learn how to exercise safely for your age, fitness, skill, and health level. Follow these safety tips to avoid injury:

  • Don’t do too much, too soon - start with low impact activities such as walking
  • Cold muscles can lead to injury - learn how to properly warm up and cool down
  • Dress for success – make sure you wear comfortable, properly fitted footwear and appropriate clothing for the weather
  • Drink plenty of water before and after exercising
  • Find a friend who is willing to teach you some new skills or take a class

Exercise is too expensive.

Getting active doesn’t have to be expensive. Here are some ways to get fit on a budget:

  • Make daily chores more active
  • Do activities that don’t require equipment like walking, sit-ups and push-ups
  • Look into local park and recreation facilities instead of more expensive private gyms
  • Buy an inexpensive step counter or pedometer
  • Download a free app to help track your progress

So get up and get active. Your moment is now.


Back To Getting Active
       > Small Steps > Getting Active > Staying Motivated

Staying Motivated

Being fit should be a lifestyle, not a quick fix. Here are some tips for staying motivated.

  • Make physical activity a part of your daily routine
  • Choose a specific time of day that you can stick with so that exercise becomes a habit
  • Create a 10-minute morning stretching, strengthening, or walking routine before breakfast
  • Find a walking partner or start a small group to walk with. You will be less likely to skip it if you know someone is waiting for you
  • Make a personal or family commitment to try a fun new activity each season
  • Enter a fun run or walk or join a gym
  • Join a community recreational sports program
  • Try new walking routes or go on a simple hike. Get a community walking map and set a goal to try all of the routes
  • Set yourself up on a reward system. Each time you reach a goal, treat yourself with something relaxing, like a massage or long bath

 

Did you know?

Listening to music can improve your exercise performance! And involving friends in your exercise and weight loss goals is helpful.

 

So get up and get active. Your moment is now.


Back To Getting Active
       > Small Steps > Getting Active > Tools and Resources

Tools and Resources

Here are some great resources to help you not only get active, but stay active.

Super Tracker – Goal setting and tracking tools

Run Vermont – Local running events and activities

Department of Health District Offices – Local health services and information


Back To Getting Active
       > Real Moments

Real Moments

A single moment can change your future and redefine who you are. Watch Sheila, Bryan, Dawn and other Vermonters as they describe how one moment changed their life and gave them a new way to think about their health.

See More



       > Share Your Moment

Share Your Moment

Join us on Facebook to share the moment when you knew it was time to make a change to your life − That moment when you decided it was time to take control. To eat healthier. To be more physically active. To make healthier choices for you and your family.

Encourage others with your experience.

Share Now
       > Share Your Moment > Terms And Conditions

Terms And Conditions

Paragraph content goes here