Healthy Abbotsford

Eat Well

Overview

Healthy eating starts with great intentions. With the right knowledge and tools you can turn your great intentions into lasting healthy changes. Best of all, we did the work for you and placed the trusted (national, provincial and local) healthy eating websites, tools and services at your fingertips.

Facts

Eating the recommended amount of fruit and vegetables every day can help prevent diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. (ActNow BC)
You can talk to a Registered Dietitian for free in BC. (Dietitian services with Healthlink BC)
Whole grain foods such as whole wheat bread, brown rice, oats and barley contain fibre. The fibre in these foods helps to lower cholesterol and control appetite. Helping you to maintain a healthy heart and a healthy body weight. (ActNow BC)
There are FREE healthy eating trackers available online to help you stay on track.
Children who eat breakfast perform better at school, have healthier weights and eat more essential nutrients. All children need to start the day with a good breakfast to feel and do their best. (Dietitians of Canada)
Dark green and orange vegetables pack an extra nutritional punch, so enjoy vegetables like broccoli, romaine lettuce, spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes and squash regularly. (Dietitians of Canada)

All these and more can be found in links provided in this section.

Canada's Food Guide

Your first step to healthy eating

Developed by nutritional experts and supported by years of research, Canada's Food Guide is your trusted source for healthy eating information. Best of all, this easy to read guide is broken down by age and gender so you can find what's right for you. Information provided in the guide includes...

A breakdown of the 4 food groups and pictures of appropriate serving sizes
The recommended number of servings in each food group based on age and gender
Recommendations for the amount of oils and fats and which ones to choose
Specific advice for children, women of childbearing age and men and women over 50
Information on how to read nutritional labels and tips on being active

Click here to get your copy of "Eating Well with Canada's Food Guide"

Dietitian Services - Healthlink BC

Healthy Eating Advice is a Free Phone Call Away

Did you know that you can call a Registered Dietitian for free? Dietitian Services with HealthlinkBC (Formerly known as Dial-a-Dietitian) provides nutrition information for British Columbians simply by calling 8-1-1 and asking to speak to a Registered Dietitian. Whether you have a food allergy, are planning to start a family or have been newly diagnosed with diabetes the HealthlinkBC Dietitians can provide advice to anyone and everyone!

To speak with a Registered Dietitian anywhere in BC call 8-1-1
TTY (Deaf and hearing-impaired) call 7-1-1
Interpreter services are available in over 130 languages upon request

Click here to go to Dietitian Services with HealthlinkBC's online resources

Dietitians of Canada

Your Health

The Your Health section of the Dietitians of Canada website provides a variety of trusted healthy eating facts and interactive tools.

Here are some things you can do on the Your Health website:

Track your food intake
Plan a balanced meal
Play a nutrition game
Find tips, FAQs & Fact Sheets
Take a virtual shopping tour
Learn healthy and tasty recipes
Learn how to make healthy choices
Discover the nutrients in your favorite recipes
Find a Dietitian

Click here to go to the Dietitians of Canada, Your Health website

Abbotsford Farm and Country Market

The Abbotsford Farm and Country Market is a great place to buy fresh local produce to create your healthy meals and snacks. It’s also a wonderful place to go for a walk with friends and family. Better yet, the Market runs all year round by moving indoors in the winter months. Here’s some info about the market from their website...

“A modern market with a traditional “make, bake, or grow” tenet, the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market showcases the best in British Columbian grown and produced products along with the creative talents of both artisans and entertainers...the Abbotsford Farm & Country Market exists to celebrate the agricultural riches of our land and the talented people of our community in a fun, social and vibrant setting.

Designed not only as a shopping place but also as a social community venue, the market features cooking demonstrations, entertainment, raffles and contests for both vendors and shoppers”.

Click here to go to the Abbotsford Farm and Country Market’s website

Parks, Recreation and Culture - Healthy Eating Programs

Each season, Parks, Recreation and Culture offers a variety of programs to help you learn to prepare and cook nutritious meals and snacks and learn what foods will keep you and your family healthy and happy!

Browse the PRC leisure guide for healthy eating and cooking programs for children, adults and seniors.

Grocery Store Nutrition Tours

Did you know that many Grocery stores now offer nutrition tours? Browse the isles of your local store with a dietitian and learn how to read nutrition labels and choose healthy options. Call or visit your local grocery store to see if they offer this service. Most grocery stores provide this information on their websites along with great healthy shopping tips and recipes located under healthy living, wellness or nutrition sections of their websites.

BC Farm Fresh Directory

Looking for fresh local and/or organic foods? As the Agricultural Capital of Canada, Abbotsford has an abundance of local farms which offer a variety of vegetables, fruit and other healthy products. The BC Farm Fresh website has a wonderful directory to help you find a local farm that grows the food you want to eat!