Welcome to the
Santa Rosa County Health Department
Our mission is to promote and protect the health of all citizens, and we are pleased to provide you with more information on the many ways we serve the community. As you browse our website, please remember that public health is much more than the services we provide at the health department. Public health is influenced by everyone in the community, so it is important that we all work together to make Santa Rosa County a healthier place. Our health department is dedicated to providing the expertise and resources necessary to improve the county's health, but we need your commitment to make a Healthy Santa Rosa!
Locate us: (850) 983-5200
Healthy Eating Tips for 2012
Have you made a New Year's resolution to lose weight in the coming year? Many of us have "been there and done that" though not all of us have been successful. Here are some suggestions to help you reach your goals.
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First of all, don't call it a diet. Dieting tends to suggest doing without food. Tell friends you are making healthier eating choices.
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Drink plenty of water. If you don't like plain water, try adding citrus or a splash of juice.
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Avoid drinks containing calories such as soda, energy drinks and fruit juice. Sweetened beverages cause more weight gain which leads to obesity in children and adults.
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Do NOT skip breakfast. This often causes you to eat too much at other meals and can lead to overweight and obesity.
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Focus on getting the recommended 5-9 servings of fruits and vegetables each day. Try using them in a stir fry or casserole instead of just serving them as sides on a plate.
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Keep your portions reasonable. Your stomach is only the size of your fist so when you're done eating, you should feel better -- not stuffed, bloated, or tired.
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Be choosy about nighttime snacks. Be aware of what you are eating and how much. Avoid heavy or greasy foods like potato chips, cookies or cake. Try rice cakes or no butter popcorn.
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Enjoy your favorite foods, but do so in moderation. Cutting them out altogether can lead to strong cravings and overeating.
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Eat 4-5 meals or snacks per day -- this will allow you to control your appetite and weight better.
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Try some different varieties of meatless protein such as low-fat yogurt, cheese, or beans instead of limiting choices to only beef or poultry.
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Be physically active -- whether you are dieting or not, physical activity increases your energy levels and helps you sleep better.
