Farmer nutrition study

It's their job to feed the world. Now ...one nutritionist is asking farmers to think about what t...  More »

It's their job to feed the world. Now ...one nutritionist is asking farmers to think about what they are feeding themselves. Julie Garden-Robinson is a food and nutrition specialist trying to help farmers and ranchersespecially those who are men put the right things on their plate. Garden-Robinson says the biggest shortfall in all men's diets is not getting enough fruits and veggies. She says another area for improvement is adding more whole grains. (Julie Garden-Robinson / Food and Nutrition Specialist) "What I would suggest is trying to have as much variety in their lunches that are brought to the field as possible. Be sure they are getting enough fruits and vegetables. Most people are falling short of getting fruits and vegetables and just aiming for a real colorful, varied diet." Garden-Robinson conducted a health survey among 300 North Dakota men. She says men in the state are very interested in nutrition and health. Fitness programs, nutritional needs as well as fats and a healthy diet were the top 3 health topics of interest. And she says all that regular activity of running around on the farm has life long benefits. (Julie Garden-Robinson / Food and Nutrition Specialist) "Anyone with alot of physical activity during their day gets to eat more food as a benefit. That is one good point that we have with our farmers and ranchers is that they are really getting some good physical activity people in general need at least 30 minutes of physical activity on most days of the week. And moderate activities like walking and so on do count." The men were asked where they get most of their nutrition and health information. The top answer...their spouse or significant other.  « Less