pork packs a punch

Pork provides many important nutrients that contribute to a well balanced diet. Pork is a very high source of protein. It contains each of the eight essential amino acids needed to build, repair and maintain body tissues.

Pork is the best dietary source of thiamin and a good source of other B vitamins including niacin, riboflavin, vitamins B6 and B12.

Pork is a good source of minerals particularly iron and zinc. About half the iron in pork is ,heme iron - the most readily absorbed and digested type of dietary iron.

For more information on how pork fits into a healthy diet, contact a registered professional dietitian.

ten steps to healthy eating

1. Enjoy a wide variety of foods.
2. Use little or no fat when cooking and serving food, e.g., butter, margarine, oil and regular salad dressing. Use breadings, rich sauces and gravies only occasionally. Avoid frying foods in oil. Instead choose low fat cooking methods such as broiling, baking, stir frying, barbecuing, braising or microwaving.
3. Balance high and low fat food choices throughout the day or week.
4. Roast or broil meat, fish and poultry on a rack so any fat can drain off.
5. Trim visible fat from meat and remove skin from poultry before cooking.
6. Make soups and stews a day ahead. Chill and remove fat from the surface before reheating.
7. Choose cereals, breads, other grain products, vegetables and fruits more often.
8. Achieve and maintain a healthy weight by enjoying regular physical activity and healthy eating.
9. Make one change at a time small changes add up!
10. Remember that all foods can be enjoyed in a healthy diet.