At SISU Empowering Others, we believe that a healthier community begins with knowledge, access, and empowerment. On the first day of our Healthy Living Initiative, we launched a dynamic workshop titled "Balanced Nutrition: Understanding the Foundations of a Healthy Diet" as part of our ongoing mission to improve health outcomes and quality of life for individuals and families in our community.

The session focused on building a strong foundation in nutritional literacy, giving participants practical and science-based information to make confident and informed food choices. The workshop was intentionally designed to be interactive, accessible, and inclusive—meeting participants where they are and providing real-world tips they could start using immediately.

Macronutrients – Fueling the Body. Participants explored the three essential macronutrients—carbohydrates, proteins, and fats—and learned:

• What each macronutrient does for the body

• How to build balanced meals with the right proportions

• The difference between simple and complex carbs, healthy and unhealthy fats, and complete vs. incomplete proteins

• Portion control and how to read nutrition labels to understand macronutrient content
  
  

Micronutrients – The Body’s Building Blocks. We discussed vital vitamins and minerals and their roles in supporting immune function, bone health, energy levels, and mental clarity. Attendees learned:

• Common signs of micronutrient deficiencies

• Natural food sources for key micronutrients like Vitamin D, Iron, Calcium, and Magnesium

• The importance of variety in fruits and vegetables
  
  

Hydration – The Often Overlooked Nutrient. We emphasized water as an essential nutrient, discussing:

• How dehydration affects energy, focus, and digestion

• How much water different age groups need daily

• Hydrating foods and how to balance intake with physical activity and climate
  
  

Interactive Learning & Practical Takeaways:

Participants engaged in activities such as:

• Label reading and grocery shopping simulations

• MyPlate visual meal planning

• Creating simple, affordable, and nutritious snack options

• Q&A with our wellness team and open discussion about barriers to healthy eating in daily life
  
  

Workshop Outcome:

By the end of the session, participants:

• Gained a deeper understanding of the basic components of a healthy diet

• Identified personal health goals and areas for dietary improvement

• Learned practical tools to make healthier food and beverage choices within their current means

• Felt empowered to take the first steps toward sustainable wellness
  
  

This session marked the first step in our multi-part Healthy Living Initiative. Each upcoming session will build on the last, covering topics like physical activity, mental wellness, sleep hygiene, and chronic disease prevention.

Access to accurate, culturally relevant health information is a powerful tool for equity and empowerment. At SISU, we believe healthy living should not be a privilege—it should be a possibility for everyone.

We’re proud of our participants for showing up, engaging, and committing to their wellness journey. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier community—one workshop at a time.