Learn About EatRight Ontario

Bea Broda: Making decisions about the foods we eat has become very confusing. And with the hectic lifestyle so many people and families tend to live, sometimes it's hard to make healthy choices. Eating on the run, and relying more on convenience foods and fast foods, it's no wonder that Ontarians, especially children are facing an obesity crisis. Jim Watson : We know there are has been a 300% increase in obesity rates amongst children just in the last 15 years in Canada. That's pretty remarkable. And one in two adults is considered either overweight or obese in Canada. So we have a real problem on our hands. Bea Broda: Health Promotion Minister Jim Watson says Ontarians need advice on how to eat better. That's why his Ministry is launching a free nutrition information service called Eat Right Ontario. Crystal: Hi, this is Crystal, one of the Registered Dietitian at Eat Right Ontario. How may I help you today? Bea Broda: Eat Right Ontario provides Ontarians with up-to date nutritional information and health advice from a registered dietitian by phone. Roselle Martino: In a fast paced world it's very difficult to keep on top of our nutrition needs. Eat Right Ontario provides free access to a Registered Dietitian that can answer questions on healthy eating, how to make a healthy meal for your family, and tips on how to prevent certain conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Bea Broda: The focus of Eat Right Ontario is on health promotion and disease prevention. It's not intended to be a counseling service or address the clinical needs of individuals. But what it is doing, is providing instant access to a Registered Dietitian to answer nutrition and healthy eating questions. Jim Watson: We lead busy lives in Ontario with families, kids, you've got soccer practices, juggling work. We don't always have time to eat properly, to get the kind of helpful information that we need to make an informed decision. Eat Right Ontario is about giving people free access to dietitians, so that they can get the kind of information that is going to make their lives a little easier as they prepare meals and snacks for themselves and their kids. Bea Broda: Eat Right Ontario is an important resource for Ontarians in remote areas who may not have easy access to a Registered Dietitian. Roselle Martino: Eat Right Ontario provides toll free access to all Ontarians to credible nutrition information without leaving their homes. Jim Watson: Eat Right Ontario is unique in the province of Ontario, because it's the only free service that people can access either via our website, or a toll free number to get helpful, factual information from a Registered Dietitian." Bea Broda: Studies show that consumers rate Registered Dietitians as the most credible source of nutrition and healthy eating information. Important food for thought, when advice that could help us lead healthier lives, is just a phone call away. Registered dietitians are available Monday to Friday, 9:00am-5:00pm EST. Call 1-877-510-510-2 with your nutrition and healthy eating questions. Bea Broda reporting.