Eat Well... Live Well

By Catherine Steele

Parents, teachers, and health care providers have all told us to "eat properly." They have quoted the "Canadian Guidelines for Healthy Eating":
- enjoy a variety of foods;
- emphasize cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruits;
- choose lower-fat dairy products, leaner meats, and foods prepared with little or no fat;
- achieve and maintain a healthy weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating; and
- limit salt, alcohol and caffeine.

...But have we taken their wisdom to heart?

A survey of 7,000 Canadian youth, aged 11-16 years, found that 47 per cent ate raw veggies and 11 per cent ate french fries every day. Surprised? Well, what do you think 319 youth with physical disabilities surveyed across Ontario ate? Just 32 per cent of these youth ate raw veggies, and 17 per cent ate french fries every day... They made less healthy food choices than their national peers!

But wait -- there are some very interesting reasons why youth with physical disabilities have less healthy diets. Focus groups were held with youth with physical disabilities. The youth said that "vegetables are hard to chew"; "french fries are easy to pick up and eat"; and "french fries are quick to get."

But healthy eating is important to youth and adults with physical disabilities. For example, too much weight gain could make a difference in their mobility or their ability to transfer independently. The option to control weight through regular physical activity may not be realistic; therefore, healthy eating may be the best way to control weight.

So, let’s see how youth with physical disabilities can make healthier food choices. If raw veggies cause difficulties, try streamed or pureed vegetables, tomato or V-8 juice. Instead of french fries, try popcorn or rice cakes (don’t choke), bread sticks, soda crackers or melba toast. Ask your friends what they do to eat healthy foods. There are some really great ideas out there -- just look around.

The next time you eat, think: Is there a better choice of food? Feel good about yourself, and treat yourself well. Enjoy eating -- it is one of the best things in life. But remember, "Eat to live, don’t live to eat."

Share your favourite ideas or recipes, or get further information, by calling Catherine Steele at Bloorview MacMillan Centre in Toronto, (416) 424-3855 (or, toll-free, 1-800-363-2440), ext. 3642; or leave an e-mail message at ortccs@ oise.utoronto.ca.

Thanks to the Easter Seal Research Institute for its support.