Healthy weight. Healthy eating. Healthy you.

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Note: Health Partnership Clinic is committed to helping patients and the community under their Medicaid insurance options and benefits. The clinic accepts Kansas Medicaid and partners with UnitedHealthcare Community Plans, Aetna Better Health of Kansas and Sunflower Health Plan in many ways. This includes promoting preventive care and reducing disparities. Over the next several months, our partners will provide helpful educational content to our readers.

UnitedHealthcare Community Plans

United Healthcare LogoWhen you eat more calories than you use, your body stores the extra calories as fat. A few extra pounds are not bad for most people, but too many extra pounds and too much body fat can be bad for your health. Doctors call this being “overweight” or “obese.”

Doctors use a measurement called body mass index (BMI), using your height and your weight to determine how much body fat you have. The best way to stay at a healthy weight or to lose weight is to make good food choices.

Healthy Eating. Healthy You.

Here are some easy ways to do that every day:

  • Try to eat more vegetables and fruit than any other type of food whenever possible.
  • Choose low-calorie foods or smaller portions when eating out.
  • Pick healthy side dishes like apple slices or apple sauce instead of french fries. If you are really craving fries, try eating something healthy like a salad, apple slices or apple sauce first, then split a small portion of fries with a few other people.
  • Drink water or milk instead of soda.
  • Check the label – can you recognize all the ingredients? If not, it might have a lot of extra stuff you don’t need, so look for other options. Try nuts or whole grain crackers instead of chips.
  • Try replacing sugary snacks with things like yogurt or dried fruit (without added sugar). If you have a sweet tooth, try a small portion of your favorite sweet only once a day.

Welcome to UnitedHealthcare’s Kitchen!

Veggie Noodle PastaCheck out our healthy recipe:

Veggie noodles are a nice change from pasta. Zucchini, carrot and sweet potatoes work well. A spiralizer is best to make veggie noodles, but a box grater can work too. Top healthy veggie noodles with this easy Pomodoro Sauce for a quick and simple meal.

Ingredients:

  • 1 28 oz. can of whole, peeled tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 2-3 coarsely chopped garlic cloves
  • 1/4 tsp. sugar
  • Coarse salt

Prep:

  1. Healthy weight. Healthy eating. Healthy you.Use a blender to coarsely chop the tomatoes with their juice just until you have a thick sauce.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a heavy saucepan and add the chopped garlic. Cook for about two minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not brown.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and sugar to the saucepan. Season to taste with a little salt.
  4. Bring the sauce mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes and serve over cooked veggie noodles.

 Serving Size:

  • Makes 4 servings of Pomodoro sauce