Ulster County has an abundance of fresh, healthy and locally grown food and great restaurants and cafes to suit every taste and budget. Along with regular exercise, reducing stress, avoiding tobacco products and creating and nurturing strong social and community networks, healthier eating can significantly improve your health and well-being. The basic principles of healthy eating include reducing overall sugar consumption, especially sugar sweetened beverages; eliminating trans-fats and reducing high-fat foods and snacks; consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables; selecting whole grain varieties, and preparing and ordering smaller portion sizes. Whenever possible, make water your beverage of choice and substitute fruits, vegetables and nuts for other snack items. When choosing non-vegetarian proteins, select fish and lean cuts of meat and poultry. Remember, healthy eating is not an ideology or a competition; it’s a matter of making common sense choices that are delicious and good for you too! Be creative, use your imagination and take advantage of all of the great resources that our community has to offer.