Nutritionist Andrea Svartstrom (right) recently hosted a healthy cooking event for her colleagues at Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES). Svartstrom and SCES Health and Wellness Coordinator Eliza Weisner demonstrated how preparing nutritious food ahead of time for the week can help families eat healthy and save money.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) recently celebrated National Nutrition Month by sharing tips for healthy diet and eating habits.

The theme for Nutrition Month this year was “Go Further with Food.” SCES Staff Nutritionist Andrea Svartstrom said the focus was on promoting food choices that are both nutritious and money-saving, noting that roughly 31 percent of all edible food is wasted in United States.

“It is estimated that about 28 percent of fruits and vegetables are thrown out in American households.” said Svartstrom. “I think the home is a good place to start being mindful of what– and how much– we buy. Making use of foods that need to be used up first is a good way to reduce food waste.”

Organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month highlighted the following tips:

• Pick a day of the week to cook large batches of foods for leftovers, or to freeze for a later time; as a way of portioning foods, using up perishable foods, and saving money.
• Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store. Use foods purchased first before newer ones.
• Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week.
• Include a variety of healthful foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis.
• Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that’s right for you.
• When eating at restaurants with large portions, ask for half portions, split meals, or take half home for leftovers
• Use good food safety practices. Refrigerate or freeze leftovers within two hours if you plan on keeping them, but remember “when in doubt, throw it out.”
• Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.
• Realize the benefits of healthy eating by consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.

Svartstrom is a registered dietitian, who provides nutrition education and counseling in both community settings and at the homes of SCES nutrition clients. The counseling is designed to help individuals develop individualized activity and nutrition goals to maintain health.

For more information about counseling and other nutrition programs, contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601.

Somerville-Cambridge Elder Services (SCES) is a non-profit agency that supports the independence and well-being of older people in Somerville and Cambridge. For more information, visit eldercare.org, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, or contact the SCES Aging Information Center at 617-628-2601 for free advice and guidance.