National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is encouraged to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. (Academy of Nutrition and Diatetics)
By this time, many have given up on those Jan 1st resolutions, so now is a good time for a reboot. Here are some tips to assist you in making good food choices.
Shop the perimeter of the grocery store.
This is where you’ll find the freshest foods, including produce, meat, and dairy. When you move inward, most, if not all, of the products contain unnecessary additives and sugar.
Opt for color
Adding a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate is a proven way to give your immune system the powerful nutrients it needs. When in doubt, throw some color on your plate. You can also add veggies to your smoothie, add fruit to your oatmeal or choose carbs with color. Support your local farmers’ markets or local producers to get fresh, nutritious ingredients and support community based agriculture.
Choose food over supplements
“Let thy food be thy medicine,” -Hippocrates
Though there are some who lack certain vitamins and minerals that can’t be achieved through diet alone, most of the good things our body needs come from food, not store bought supplements. (World Health Organization)
Pack your lunch
Avoiding typical restaurant or fast food grease may seem obvious, but according to Harvard Health Publishing, even more important than that is the ability to control portion sizes when you pack your own lunch.
A healthy diet is essential for good health. It protects you against many chronic noncommunicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. (World Health Organization)
So this month, try a new healthy recipe every week or pledge to include more fruits and vegetables in your diet.
Read articles that enhance your knowledge about nutrition and dietary habits. Also, share your journey. Post a recipe or a pic of your colorful plate. Most of all, continue with your new habits throughout the year. You might just like your results.
