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Maria Escamilla
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"My son and my husband are the ones that motivate me."

Preparing healthy meals for her family became a priority after Maria was diagnosed with high blood cholesterol. Maria has cut down on salt and red meat in her family's meals and added more fruits and vegetables. Her family also switched to 1% milk. Maria said the change to 1% milk was difficult for her family because they didn�t like the taste of 1% milk. Now they're used to it.

Maria tries to balance family meals with a variety of foods. She says rice, beans and pasta are family staples. To keep life simple, Maria shops once or twice a month. During the summer, she shops at the farmers' market.

Maria once participated in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Supplemental Nutrition Program, which helps pregnant women, new mothers and young children eat well and stay healthy. Now she works for the program.

Maria's family also places a high priority on physical activity. Her son, John Jr., 7, is active in soccer and tee-ball. He participates in martial arts, wrestling, and most recently, golf with dad, John Sr. Maria spends her breaks at work walking with a co-worker.

Ukiah, CA