City wellness program lauded as a success

City wellness program lauded as a success

One employee lost 75 pounds in 2014
City of Cortez airport technician Efrain Vaquera lost 75 pounds in 2014.

City wellness program lauded as a success

City of Cortez airport technician Efrain Vaquera lost 75 pounds in 2014.
Water: The cornerstone to an improved life

To live a healthier life in the New Year, start by drinking more water.
“None of us drink enough water during the day,” said registered dietitian and nutritionist Laura A. White.
Employed at Southwest Memorial Hospital, White said drinking more water was the first step towards a healthier lifestyle. The general formula to determine how much water an individual should drink is based on one’s total weight.
“Divide your body weight in half,” White advised. “The number you get is equal to how many ounces of water you should drink every day.”
For example, someone who weighs 200 pounds should drink 100 ounces, or about 3 liters, of water daily. At 135 pounds, an individual should consume about 2 liters per day.
In addition to plenty of water for a better existence, White suggested starting each day with a balanced breakfast consisting of whole grain, fruit and dairy. Improving concentration and mood, a nutritional breakfast helps jump start your metabolism, White said.
To ensure a healthier life, White also urged 30 minutes of physical activity every day, eating more whole grains at every meal and making sure that fruits and vegetables end up on half of all lunch and dinner plates.
“There’s no quick fix,” White cautioned. “Making choices for a healthier lifestyle change can seem overwhelming, but focus on the positives, not the negatives.”
“Plan ahead,” she added. “Take small steps towards small goals, because a healthier lifestyle is something you can do for the rest of your life.”
For those seeking to improve their way of life starting in 2015, White strongly encouraged individuals to find a support system. She said partnering with a friend or family member, for example, would increase the likelihood of success.
“I hear lots of excuses,” said White. “Can’t. Don’t. Won’t. Or it’s too hard. Those words shouldn’t exist.”
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Meals

Breakfast Ideas
Peanut butter on whole grain toast or bagel
Whole grain tortilla breakfast burrito with eggs and cheese
•Hard cooked egg, banana and whole grain toast
Oatmeal with nuts, banana and glass of milk
Omelet with ham, cheese, veggies and whole grain toast
Lunch Ideas
Chicken salad in a whole grain pita pocket with lettuce and tomato and fruit on the side
Peanut butter sandwich on whole grain bread with fruit and a cup of veggies
Salad with greens, veggies and egg plus black beans, avocado, sunflower seeds and fruit
Baked potato topped with shredded chicken, cottage cheese, broccoli, salsa and cheese with a side of fruit
Turkey, roast beef or chicken roll ups with cheese plus fruit and veggies
Dinner Ideas
Salmon or tuna cakes with sweet potato wedges and salad
Greek turkey meatballs over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash
Portobello mushroom burger on whole grain bun with salad and sweet potato fries
BBQ pulled pork on whole grain bun with broccoli slaw
Ground turkey and spinach stuffed lasagna rolls with salad

Portion-size tips

1 cup of raw veggies equals the size of a baseball
1 oz. of cheese, nuts or dried fruit equals four playing dice
1/2 cup of fruit equals the size of a tennis ball
1 tablespoon equals the size of your thumb
2 tablespoons equals the size of a golf ball
3-4 oz. of meat equals the size of a deck of cards

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