From the very far North came….

Diane (second from left) with other students from the Northland CPN course.

From the very Far north came a group of six wahine from Whakawhiti Ora Pai
For nine days they travelled by van into Kaitaia, to learn all about healthy kai.

We went to learn and to work towards obtaining a Certificate in Pacific Nutrition
It didn’t matter what your occupation, a community worker, an administrator or a clinician.

Our trainers, Sue, Takui and Tony, were supported by the Auckland Heart Foundation
Their mission on this course was to educate us, so we could become a healthier nation.

We meet our fellow trainees who came from Northland far and wide
The support and friendship from them all was felt as we stood side by side.

Takui introduced us to Part 1 of the Health Promotions Ottawa Charter
Teaching us how to approach communities and councils for change as a starter.

Sue educated us on recommended guidelines for healthy nutrition for all ages
Happy to pass on her knowledge and directed us to the relevant manual pages.

Next came the food pyramid showing the four food groups with fruit and veggies being the best
Breads + Cereals, milk and milk products and protein from meat, being the rest.

8 or more glasses of water is our daily recommended fluid intake
Coke and fruit juices are full of sugar and not a wise choice to make.

Macro for energy and Micro for vitality are 2 parts on the Nutrient family tree
Along with Minerals and Vitamins including D.E.K.A as well as group C.

We studied the methods of Recipe Analysis to find out how to lower fat, sugar and salt content
By the end of the session and with constant reinforcing, we all understood just what Sue meant.

Comparing Takeaways and Home-made meal costs
Saved us some money and fatty content was lost.

And on the last day an individual 10 min presentation was needed
Keep it simple, our trainers advised, if only their advice we had heeded.

Preparation was the key, and we were all so stressed
But on the day, we all stepped up and gave it our best.

Finally as our journey of discovery and learning was sadly coming to an end
Our excuses for not exercising, bad food choices, we now know how to mend.

In February 2014 we will meet again at Houhora for our well-deserved graduation
Great surroundings, new friends and healthy tasty food will be a cause for celebration.

*condensed version

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