Nutrition Philosophy

We embrace a nutrition approach that encourages individuals to eat moderate portions of a wide variety of foods. Instructional materials and communications are based on the current Dietary Guidelines for Americans.

We promote the following pillars of healthy eating:

1. Eat a diet based on diversity and inclusion. All foods can be part of healthful eating when managed for variety, moderation, and proportionality. We do not support labeling individual foods as "good" or "bad." We recognize that favorite foods, regardless of fat or calorie content, can be part of a balanced diet when using the above principles. An eating pattern that is inclusive and diverse helps to reap long-term positive health benefits.
2. Be positive about diet and food choices. Choose foods based on what is included in them rather than what is excluded. Rather than counting calories, make every calorie count. Eat foods with a high ratio of key nutrients to calories (low-fat and fat-free milk and dairy, whole grains, colorful fruits and vegetables, lean meats, seafood, eggs, beans and nuts). By evaluating what is eaten over time, all foods can fit in moderation.
3. Enjoy eating with others. Challenge the palette with new and interesting flavors. Take time to savor food and plan meals to help diversify and balance the diet. We believe that sharing family meals on a regular basis improves the diet and health of children and adolescents. Enjoyable family meals are an important aspect of people's lives since they build and sustain cultural and family traditions.
4. Customize and individualize. We value individual choice and recognize that there are multiple factors influencing food decisions, including taste, cultural and family traditions, cost, convenience, nutritional value, safety, sustainability or locally produced. We recognize that on an individual basis, food choices must be customized to realistically meet varied needs and preferences.

We believe that 30 to 60 minutes of daily physical activity, along with a nutritious diet, enhances one's overall health and well-being. Physically active individuals are more able to maintain their body weight and enjoy more flexibility in food choices.

We believe that parents are the most important influence in their children's lives and have primary responsibility for establishing positive attitudes toward food and developing healthy eating habits.

Education Philosophy

We value our ability to help people improve their health at the key times in their life when they are the most open to making change. Our programs target children at key developmental stages and adults at critical times in their lives when eating and lifestyle habits are most likely to be re-evaluated.

We strive to be on the leading edge in applying the latest, proven educational methodologies. Our programs are based on behavior change model. Our programs include learning strategies that are consistent with recent brain research on effective learning. We believe that truly effective nutrition education works best when individuals are educated to make the best food choices for themselves and their families, and can clearly see how to put their choices into action.