Healthy eating has many benefits

Heather Deegan, Registered Dietitian/Public Health Nutritionist

It is mid-afternoon, and you are feeling tired and low in energy. Does this sound like your typical workday afternoon? A few simple changes in your breakfast and morning snack may be all that is needed to give you the energy boost you need to make it to dinner. No special pills or potions required, just some different food choices.

Do you work shift work? Did you know that your food choices, as well as the timing of your meals and snacks, could boost your energy during your shift and help you sleep better in the few precious hours you have to rest? Some foods can make you more alert, while other foods can help you sleep.

Have you ever noticed that your child seems to get "hyper" when he/she eats sugar? In fact there is no known scientific link between sugar and hyperactivity. It is more likely that the excitement of special events and being together with friends and family can trigger your child's "hyper" activity.

We are beginning to better understand the link between the food choices we make and the impact on our health and overall well-being. The registered dietitians at the Health Unit have a wealth of information to help you sort through all of the confusing nutrition and health messages out there.

Look to the Health Unit for the most reliable nutrition information.

In fact there is no known scientific link between sugar and hyperactivity.