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Ontario Tech acknowledges the lands and people of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation.

We are thankful to be welcome on these lands in friendship. The lands we are situated on are covered by the Williams Treaties and are the traditional territory of the Mississaugas, a branch of the greater Anishinaabeg Nation, including Algonquin, Ojibway, Odawa and Pottawatomi. These lands remain home to many Indigenous nations and peoples.

We acknowledge this land out of respect for the Indigenous nations who have cared for Turtle Island, also called North America, from before the arrival of settler peoples until this day. Most importantly, we acknowledge that the history of these lands has been tainted by poor treatment and a lack of friendship with the First Nations who call them home.

This history is something we are all affected by because we are all treaty people in Canada. We all have a shared history to reflect on, and each of us is affected by this history in different ways. Our past defines our present, but if we move forward as friends and allies, then it does not have to define our future.

Learn more about Indigenous Education and Cultural Services

Equity in Health, Fitness, and Nutrition

May 21, 2021

Equity in health, fitness, and nutrition is a very important issue within society. It can refer to the way that an individual has access to quality food, fitness, and other health-related resources. In turn, this access could help benefit their life. When one experiences food insecurity and unequal access to fitness, it can take a toll on them. It can damage their health. Therefore, it is important to raise awareness and ensure that everyone has equal access to health, fitness, and nutrition so that everyone has the equal opportunity to live a healthy life.

Grocery Shopping

Grocery shopping is step number one when it comes to getting access to nutritious and quality food choices. It is very important to make healthy choices as food and nutrition are often the foundation to living a healthy life.

Here are some tips for grocery shopping

  • Go with a list
  • Stick to the outside walls of the grocery store (produce, dairy, meat/fish/tofu, grains)
  • Don't shop when you are hungry to avoid impulse purchases
  • Have a budget (and stick to it)
  • Choose whole-grain foods
  • Make sure to read the nutrition label
  • Create a meal plan for the week and buy foods from your plan

Eating on a Budget

Being in university can be expensive and a lot of the time, it’s hard to find money to cover even your basic needs. It is important to budget your meals in order to make sure you are still getting all the nutrition you need while not ‘breaking the bank’.

Here are some tips for eating on a budget. 

  • Buy fresh produce when it’s in season and freeze it
  • Look for sales
  • Cook large portions and freeze the leftovers
  •  Plan your meals ahead of time
  • Stick to your grocery list
  • Cook more at home
  •  Buy generic brands
  •  Price Match
    • Check out Flipp - an app that lets you look at deals in your local grocery stores and price match items. It also has a built-in grocery list function that finds deals for you when you add your items to it.

 Here is a sample recipe that takes a total of 25 minutes:

Taco Tomatoes

  • Servings and cook time

    Yields: 4 Servings

    Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

    Cook Time: 20 Minutes

  • Ingredients

    1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

    3/4 lb. ground beef *substitute with ground chicken, beans, or ground turkey to your liking

    1 medium onion, chopped

    1 (1-oz.) packet taco seasoning

    4 large, ripe tomatoes

    1/2 cup shredded cheese blend

    1/2 cup shredded iceberg lettuce

    1/4 cup sour cream

  • Directions

    In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and cook, stirring, until soft, for 5 minutes. Add meat/beans and taco seasoning.

    Cook, for approximately 8 minutes, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink.

    Drain fat.

    Flip over tomatoes so they’re stem-side down and slice to make 6 wedges, being careful not to cut all the way through.

    Carefully spread open wedges.

    Divide meat/beans among tomatoes, then top each with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream before serving.

    Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/recipes/a54559/taco-tomatoes-recipe/


To learn more, attend a RISE: Equity in Health, Fitness, and Nutrition workshop. Check the Student Life Portal for workshop times and offerings. 

For any questions, please contact us at equity@ontariotechu.ca 

This content is brought to you by the Ontario Tech Equity Advocates.