Fit Together in Action – November 2026

Fit Together Highlights

This HEAL Grant Makes Sense!

Sensory Hallway HEAL Grant 2026

Once again, our Fit Together Steering Committee struggled to select a recipient for our 2026 HEAL (Healthy Eating Active Living) grant. Although we planned to fund only one project, an additional low-cost initiative really made sense.

Unfortunately, classroom learning requires students sit attentively at their desks, with little opportunity for physical activity during the day. The Community Parent/Teacher Organization (PTO) at Southwest Elementary School proposed an innovative, research-based solution to this challenge. The addition of a new, garden-themed, sensory path within the school will provide over 350 students with more than 200 movement activities.

Once installed, the permanent path will encourage sensory-motor integration, improved focus, better cognition, and lots of fun. Best of all, it is a small investment that can promote healthy activity for years to come. We are thrilled to support such a creative project!

Thank you to everyone who submitted their grant proposals. We are grateful for all you are doing to promote healthy eating and active living in our Northwest CT community! We look forward to announcing our second HEAL grant recipient soon.

Fit Together’s Favorite Restaurants

Fit Together Favorites

All of us at Fit Together want to make the healthiest choice the easiest choice. That means offering suggestions and support that work with your life.

Last month, we introduced “Fit Together Favorites,” where we highlight some of the favorite restaurants and dishes from establishments in the Torrington and Winsted, CT areas. Following are a few of the top picks from our Steering Committee Members:

  • YiaYia’s Greek Kitchen – 1057 East Main St., Torrington, CT; Website, Facebook – Our Executive Director, Carla Angevine, enjoys their Chicken Souvlaki (pictured above). She opts for Brussels Sprouts instead of fries to add more nutrition. And she always gets more than one meal from an order. Nate Nardi-Cyrus, Torrington’s Assistant City Planner, enjoys their Falafel Platter, which is enough to share.
  • Pizzeria Marzano – 1315 East Main St., Torrington, CT; Website, Facebook – This made the lists of several of our members! Jen Kelley of the Winsted Active Aging Senior Center suggests their Kale Caesar Salad, while Caitlin Vinuelas of the NWCT YMCA enjoys their Gorgonzola Salad with Chicken. Salads are always a great way to get in more healthy greens. Opting for the dressing on the side, so that you can add only what you need, will help you lower calories and fat.
  • Love It Vegan – 73 Main St., Torrington, CT; Website, Facebook – Joanna Keyes of the Torrington Area Health District recommends the Oyster Mushroom Grinder (Po’Boy) and Buffalo Cauliflower. You don’t have to be vegan or vegetarian to enjoy this restaurant’s unique offerings which help you incorporate more veggies into your diet.
  • Speedy Tacos – 3 South Main St, Torrington, CT; Website, Facebook – Our Co-Chair Dr. Michael Curi enjoys a combination of three tacos for a quick lunch between seeing patients. Tacos can be a healthy choice, especially when you skip the sour cream and load up on extra vegetables (tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and avocado/guacamole). 

We Need Your Help!

  • Where (and what) do you and your family like to eat? Let us know your favorites by contacting us at fittogether@how2fitkids.org or messaging us through our social media – Facebook, Instagram. As your entries come in, we will be sharing them on a new page in the “Resources” section of our website and on our social media pages.

Healthy Activities in November

Healthy Activities in Northwest CT - Nov 26

November is a great time for hiking in NWCT. There are also local Turkey trots in support of Thanksgiving. Find some of the featured events below and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest updates.

If you have a healthy event to share, please let us know at fittogether@how2fitkids.org.

Kids’ Corner – Eating for a Healthy Pregnancy

Healthy Pregnancy Nutrition

In November, the March of Dimes calls our attention to Prematurity Awareness. There are many factors involved in a healthy pregnancy, some of which are not in our control. But research shows that optimal nutrition plays a supportive role. The resources below offer tips on what to eat and what to avoid, along with other tools for moms-to-be.

Key Nutrients for Pregnancy

A growing baby needs nutritional building blocks for it to thrive. Ideally, anyone planning on getting pregnant should take a prenatal vitamin at least three months before conceiving. The following nutrients are also crucial before and during pregnancy:

  • Folic Acid – 400 mcg/day (before pregnancy); 600-1,000 mcg/day (during pregnancy) to prevent neural tube defects. Find folic acid (folate) in a prenatal vitamin and in some green leafy vegetables, berries, nuts, beans, citrus fruits, and fortified breakfast cereals.
  • Calcium – 1,000 mg /day; 1,300 mg/day (for pregnant teens) to build strong bones and teeth. Dairy products are the best sources. Other good sources of calcium include broccoli, kale, and fortified fruit juices and breakfast cereals.
  • Vitamin D3 – 600 IU/day (some providers suggest 1000-2000 IU) supports strong teeth and bones, as well as immune function. Dietary sources are limited and include fatty fish such as salmon, as well as fortified foods including dairy or plant milks and orange juice. Supplementation is often necessary.*
  • Protein – ~ 70 grams/day of protein supports a baby’s tissues and hair. Protein can be found in thoroughly cooked eggs, lean meats, poultry, safe seafood options, dairy products, beans, nuts, seeds, and soy products.  
  • Iron – 27 mcg/day of iron is needed to build a baby’s blood cells. Lean red meat, poultry, and fish are good sources of iron. Other options include iron-fortified breakfast cereals, beans, and vegetables. Again, supplementation is often necessary. *
  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids (DHA) – 250 mg of DHA supports a baby’s brain and nervous system and may support a pregnant woman’s mental health. [Learn more at Essential Fatty Acids: Key Nutrients During Pregnancy (PDF) from Texas Children’s Hospital.]

For more details, see Pregnancy Diet from the Mayo Clinic.

*Always consult with your health care provider or a registered dietitian nutritionist to determine your unique needs.

Foods and Substances to Avoid During Pregnancy

  • High-Mercury Fish – limit or avoid shark, swordfish, king mackerel, marlin, and tilefish.
  • Raw or Unpasteurized Foods – Avoid risky foods such as raw or undercooked meat, fish (sushi), and eggs; unpasteurized dairy; and raw sprouts.
  • Deli Meats & Hot Dogs – these foods can contain harmful bacteria called listeria, so they should be avoided or heated to over 165°F before eating.
  • Harmful Substances – all alcohol should be avoided, and caffeine should be limited to under 200 mg per day (no more than a 12-oz cup of coffee).

Find out more about Foods to Avoid During Pregnancy from the March of Dimes.   

Prenatal Diet Resources

Healthy Pregnancy Resources

Worksite Wellness Tip – Great American Smokeout

Great American Smokeout 2026

Quitting smoking can be incredibly hard! Although any day is a great one for choosing to quit, the annual Great American Smokeout on November 19th offers an extra boost of encouragement. This month’s workplace resource includes websites and support services to aid you or your colleagues in eliminating tobacco.

Resources to Quit Tobacco and Smoking

  • Great American Smokeout – loads of supportive tools from the American Cancer Society to quit tobacco products. You can also call 1-800-227-2345 to get personal support.
  • Commit to Quit – a program from the Connecticut Department of Public Health that includes free local resources, including access to online support, along with tips on quitting smoking. Their 1-800-QUIT-NOW line is also available.
  • SmokeFree.gov – a program from the National Cancer Institute that includes a texting program, an app, and other tools for quitting smoking and vaping.
  • Nicotine Information Sheet (PDF) – an explanation of the addictive nature of nicotine in cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, and vaping products from the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Healthy Recipes – Let’s Talk Turkey

Turkey Recipes

With Thanksgiving coming soon, it is turkey time! You don’t have to buy a big bird, which can be very expensive. A smaller turkey breast with lots of flavorful sides will still make for a celebratory meal. Whatever you choose, it is important that you handle turkey safely so that no one gets sick. Following are recipes, roasting tips, and ideas for turning leftover turkey into many more healthy meals:

  • Thanksgiving Turkey Recipes – whether you want to try spatchcocking, a unique glaze, or traditional herbs, there is an option for you.
  • Leftover Turkey Recipes – If you are looking for healthy turkey recipes for after the holiday, you can find 31 Healthy Turkey Recipes here. 

Preparing a Turkey Safely 

Quick Turkey Tips

  • Keep turkey at a safe temperature of under 40 degrees when refrigerated and over 170 degrees once cooked and ready to eat.
  • Refrigerate cooked turkey and side dishes within 2 hours of cooking.
  • Place leftovers in shallow containers so they cool quickly in the refrigerator.

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