Town provides helping of healthy eating tips

No matter what their age, many struggle to lead a healthy lifestyle and avoid overeating. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida and the town of Longboat Key are trying to change that.

Beginning June 2, Town Hall will host an eight-week program called “Am I Hungry?” to help participants learn to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to eat only when hungry.

“One of the town’s core values is to create a culture of health and wellness and to empower employees with the knowledge, support and incentives to take control of their health through awareness, assessments and ongoing education,” Human Resources Manager Lisa Silvertooth said. “This program meets part of my goal for the town’s mission and values.”

The program is open to town staffers, local business employees and Longboat residents.

“This will teach people to improve their eating habits and maintain healthy lifestyles without dieting,” Silvertooth said. “We’re trying to reach out to businesses and residents, hoping they’ll join us in this program too.”

Each workshop has a different theme, focusing on topics such as why we eat, what to eat, why diets don’t work and strategies for triggers.

The program teaches participants that it’s OK to indulge in their favorite foods as long as it’s in moderation and why people should stop eating when they’re full.

“People can learn to only eat when they’re hungry and to stop binging,” Silvertooth said.

“Am I Hungry?” is part of the town’s health and wellness program, which has workshops and programs throughout the year, including brown bag luncheon presentations and aerobic proficiency testing. 

As part of the program, the town hosted its annual health fair May 21, during which town employees and residents  received health tests.

Beginning next month, the town’s website, longboatkey.org, will also have a “Key to Your Health” tab to allow visitors to stay up to date on health and wellness programs on the island.

“It’s all part of our core value,” Silvertooth said. “Providing health and wellness is what we aim for.”