Editor’s note: In this special edition you’ll find articles related to all things food. From places to eat to what not to eat, there’s a little bit of everything. 

“Food, glorious food.” It’s the famous song from “Oliver” but most Americans feel the same way. From homemade to fast food, everyone has something they love. However, too much of a good thing and their bodies won’t love them back.

“It’s not long or complicated,” said Dr. Ray Ward, with Cope Family Medicine | Ogden Clinic. “In general, people eat too much food with high salt, high calories and fat. It tastes good but for most of us that’s our trouble.”

A healthier diet should consist of fruit, vegetables and nuts, he said. “That’s not easy to get to though. If people have developed an eating habit that’s not easy to change.”

They have to draw the lines that work for them, said Ward. “They have to develop a pattern they can stay with, habits that will stay long term. If it’s unpleasant it’s not going to work long term.”

Mindy Box, registered certified dietitian, with the Davis County Health Department (DCHD) is the director over the WIC (Women, Infant and Children) program. “Our goal and objective is to help people create a healthy lifestyle.”

They provide healthy recipes for families to try, she said. “We give our clients tips to increase fruits and vegetables and ways to modify the recipes to include those. They don’t have to all be fresh, you can use canned fruits and vegetables too. It can be easier than you think it can be.”

Promote calorie intake of healthy food, said Box. “Increase water intake and decrease sugary drinks like Kool-Aid, Gatorade and fruit juices. We offer fruit juice that is 100% fruit juice. Get low fat milks and push that as a better option than soda drinks. That’s not helping with obesity.”

Telling a family that is used to giving their kids three to four cups a day of that to cut back is hard, she said. “It’s not realistic but we recommend adding fresh fruit or flavored water instead.”

Gatorade is not necessary unless kids are outside, said Box. “It has electrolytes which helps if they’re out in the heat but it’s not meant to be a regular drink. Water is recommended. It helps hydrate but is not sugar intact.”

Box encourages parents to get their kids out and moving. “That goes hand in hand with healthy eating. It’s a great goal to limit screen time and get up and move. That’s part of it.”

Find something fun to do as a family, she said. “Let them help you prepare the food or let them prepare it themselves. It makes it fun for them to do it with mom or dad.”

Make it a goal to sit down for meals as a family, Box said. “No phones, no TV, slow down and talk. Eat as a family, cook as a family.”

“Most of us know more or less what we should be doing,” said Ward. “Eat less junk food, eat more fruits, vegetables and proteins. Get regular exercise. It’s simple to say – not simple to do.”

For more information about the WIC program and for resources visit  https://www.daviscountyutah.gov/health/health-services/women-infants-children-2-0