Experience Earth Day with USDA

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Kathryn Sosbe, Office of Communication, U.S. Forest Service; Donna Johnson-Bailey, Outreach and Social Media, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on April 22, 2014 at 2:00 PM

The Appalachian National Scenic Trail stretches 2,175 miles from Mount Katahdin in Maine to Springer Mountain in Georgia. Hikers who choose to explore the entire stretch will go through 14 states and on eight national forests. (U.S. Forest Service)

Earth Day is a reminder that some of our best moments can be spent in the great outdoors.

Getting outside is one of the best ways to feel re-invigorated, whether on a short hike to the Crags Trail on Pike National Forest or on a longer exploration of the 2,175-mile Appalachian Trail, which winds through 14 states and across eight national forests.

The range of outdoor activities run the gamut from hiking, camping, boating, bird watching, and experiencing wildlife to photographing nature, hunting and fishing.

However long you want to spend outdoors, the U.S. Forest Service and the Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion offer a few ideas to help you stay healthy while enjoying activities of your choice.

Choose MyPlate Outdoors

Going on a day trip to any of our 154 national forests or 20 national grasslands? Pack a picnic lunch, some snacks, and drinks to keep everyone hydrated and satisfied.

Plan to have plenty of water with you and ready-to-eat foods such as mini-carrots, oranges, 100 percent whole wheat bread, and a container of peanut butter. Toss unsalted nuts and dried cranberries in small containers for easy grab-and-go snacks.

Visiting national forests and lands also provide an opportunity to experience foods readily available from local farmers markets. Use the USDA National Farmer Market Locator Directory to find a market near you. (USDA Flickr Image)

Planning meals and snacks for several days of outdoor activity may require a little more thought. Consider ahead of time which foods to take, ways to keep your food safe, and how to prepare easy meals. Rely on paper plates and include just a few cooking tools like a skillet or small pot for meats or soups.

Mix quick-cooking oats with low-fat dry milk powder, walnuts, and raisins for a fast breakfast. Chop veggies like onions and peppers in advance to use when cooking over the campfire.  Bring cans of low-sodium soup or tuna fish that you can quickly re-heat or mix with vegetables for lunch or dinner.

Also, think about cooking local foods. Enjoying nature means appreciating and eating what’s available to you. If you’re near the ocean, find a place to buy fresh fish. Visit a local farmers market to find fresh veggies, eggs, meat, or local cheeses.

Savor your outdoor experience. Eating outside near a lake or under the stars is a special event that you will want to repeat. With just a little planning you can figure out how to have healthy, delicious meals that make it easy to get away and enjoy your public lands.

We have one request: Please abide by the Leave No Trace seven principles of outdoor ethics so the beauty you see when you are there will be there when you return.

Unplug and take your kids outside, where they can view though world though a different lens - away from televisions, cell phones and other electronic gadgets. Grab a pair of binoculars and see how many different species of birds they can find. (U.S. Forest Service)

New Campaign - Water: You Are What You Drink

USDA Blog Post:

Posted by Dr. Robert Post, Acting Executive Director, Center for Nutrition Policy and Promotion, on September 12, 2013 at 3:40 PM

The ‘Water: You Are What You Drink’ campaign symbol.

Today the Partnership for a Healthier America (PHA) along with their Honorary Chair, First Lady Michelle Obama, launched a campaign encouraging Americans to drink more water more often. The ‘Water: You Are What You Drink’ campaign is a collaboration between PHA and stakeholders across the public and private sectors. The initiative brings together leaders from industry, government and Hollywood with a shared goal: to excite, inspire and engage people in drinking more water.

This nationwide effort comes during National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, when much attention is already focused on the impact diet plays on the health of our nation. USDA works to educate consumers on the importance of making healthy dietary choices. Choosing healthful beverages is one part of that equation and drinking more water is something that all Americans can benefit from.  Increasing water intake, “drinking up”, is an easy change every one of us can make every day. Tap, filtered, bottled, carbonated- it all counts!

Personally, water is my favorite beverage.  In the afternoon, it’s a perfect complement to smart snack in schools, at work, or on the go.  I drink it as part of my balanced MyPlate-inspired meals and throughout the day, always carrying a water bottle around with me. A bottle is portable and easy to refill- I won’t leave home without one.  Water keeps me refreshed and helps me feel my best!

USDA supports the new ‘Water: You Are What You Drink’ campaign and hopes that it will inspire you to drink up! To learn more visit the campaign website: www.youarewhatyoudrink.org