March Marks National Nutrition Month!

March is here and [NL] is especially excited because that means it is time to celebrate National Nutrition Month® (NNM). Not familiar with this month-long celebration that highlights the importance of making informed, sound, and healthy eating choices? Here’s what YOU should know…

THE THEME

Learn more at http://www.eatright.org

This year’s theme is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” which encourages us to eat foods that provide both the nutrients we need and the tastes we love as well as incorporating regular physical activity to achieve our personal health and fitness goals and promote overall health. There are so many ways to do this and below are just a few. Happy NNM!

CELEBRATE YOUR PLATE

There are many different ways to “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle.” Here are just a few recommendations:

Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Veggies

Eating a variety of fruits and vegetables can give you the energy, fiber, vitamins and minerals needed to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Remember to incorporate a variety of color such as red, orange, green, and purple as well.

Go for Whole Grains

When eating breads, cereals, pastas, crackers, and rice try to make at least half of what you’re consuming WHOLE grains. To be sure check the ingredients list to make sure the word “whole” is included.

Stick to Low-Fat or No-Fat Dairy

Fat-free and low-fat milk contain the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but with FAR fewer calories and fat. If You are lactose intolerant, you can try lactose-free milk or a calcium-fortified soy beverage instead.

Vary Your Protein

Seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs are all excellent protein sources. Be sure to vary the ways you get your protein by switching it up within these categories. Be sure and try to have a seafood protein twice a week for additional heart-health benefits provided by omega-3s.

Cut Back on the Added Sodium, Sugar, and Fat

Compare foods and choose those with lower numbers for sodium, sugar, and fat. Find healthier alternatives to adding flavor to your food such as seasoning your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert.

Control Your Portions

Always be aware when your eating a meal or snack. Avoid mindless munching that often leads to overeating and unnecessary calorie consumption. Focus on your meals and STOP eating when you are satisfied. Use smaller plates, bowls, and glasses as an added measure.

Be Active

Adults need at least 150 minutes (that’s just 30 minutes a day, five days a week) of moderately intense physical activity each week for most health benefits. So go for a walk, bike, or jog. Go shoot some hoops, throw a pigskin around, just get out and move. No time, you say? It doesn’t all have to be done in one 30-minute chunk. Split your exercise routines into two, 30-minute or three 10-minute segments throughout the day. You can do it!

WANT TO KNOW MORE?

For more great tips and information on how YOU can “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle” and celebrate National Nutrition Month, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics National Nutrition Month website.