National Nutrition Month - Part I
I love the month of March! This is a special time for dietitians because it is National Nutrition Month! This month's theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is "Put Your Best Fork Forward" . This theme serve us a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes now will over time, helps improve health now and into the future. The Academy Nutrition and Dietetics has 17 Health Tips for National Nutrition Month. Today, I am going to discuss 5 of those health tips.
1. Eat Breakfast
Start your morning with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Some breakfast ideas are breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, salsa and a whole wheat tortilla or a parfait with low-fat plain yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal.
2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and fiber to your plate. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables your daily goal. Experiment with different types, including fresh, frozen and canned.
3. Watch Portion Sizes
Get out the measuring cups and see how close your portions are to the recommended serving size. Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods. To complete the meal, add a serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt.
4. Be Active
Regular physical activity has so many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can for at least 10 minutes at a time. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults should get two hours and 30 minutes per week. You don’t have to hit the gym—take a walk after dinner or play a game of catch or basketball.
5. Fix Healthy Snacks
Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods. Choose from two or more of the MyPlate food groups: grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy, and protein. Try raw veggies with low-fat cottage cheese, or a tablespoon of peanut butter with an apple or banana.
Next week, I am going to discuss the next six health tips for National Nutrition Month!
