UCCE advisor says the obesity tide may be turning

Rates of obesity are leveling off and nutrition experts are hoping rates will decline this decade, says Terri Spezzano, UC Cooperative Extension advisor in Stanislaus County. Spezzano was featured in the Modesto Bee's "Monday Q&A" today.

Spezzano shared tips about increasing the amount of fruits and vegetables in the diet and the importance of developing a regular exercise routine.

The mother of two young sons, Spezzano said they sit down together on Sundays with grocery store ads and plan the week's meals.

"We love the summer because it is so much easier to get fresh fruit and vegetables," Spezzano said. "We grow our own vegetables and go to the farmers' market on Saturday and that helps us plan meals also."

The Fresno Bee sought information from UCCE for a front-page story that appeared Monday about food waste. Americans throw away 90 billion pounds of food a year, the newspaper reported.

Ginnie Nash, UCCE nutrition education program manager, suggested buying only what you need. It sounds obvious, writer Bethany Clough acknowledged in the article, but buying too much is one of the biggest sources of food waste.

"We get busy. It's tough," Nash said. Plan meals on paper and see what's in the refrigerator and cupboard before going shopping.

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