March - National Nutrition month

HAPPY MARCH!

I hope you’re still crushing your wellness-related New Year’s resolutions! This month gives us an opportunity to reflect inward and make tangible changes to our diets or workout regimens.

Every March the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the annual event National Nutrition Month. It started in 1973 as a National Nutrition Week. Due to the growing interest in nutrition, National Nutrition Week became National Nutrition Month in 1980. The purpose of this month is to educate and inform the public on the importance of making nutritious food choices and being physically active every day, as part of a healthy lifestyle. When we eat real, nourishing foods, we’re getting a wealth of vitamins and minerals that support not only our healthy internal function, but gives our skin, hair, and nails an extra glow that makes us look good and feel great.

Since March signifies spring and renewal, it’s s a great time to spring clean our eating habits, assess our nutritional status, and make informed food choices to fuel our bodies at every age and eating with sustainability in mind. Sustainable eating is choosing foods that are helpful for the planet and our bodies. It could be as simple as adding another veggie or fruit to every meal.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Here are six ways to get started on creating a healthy lifestyle habit without diets or restrictions.

  1. ADD VARIETY - Eat a variety of foods from all food groups whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried. Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions in your meals. Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions and practice self-love.

  2. ADD FLAVORS - Learn how to make tasty foods at home with new flavors and foods from around the world. Find creative ways to use leftovers instead of throwing them away. My cookbook provides an infinite loop of recipes and inspiration to get you motivated. Recipes can be modified to suit vegan and vegetarian eaters. Signing up for cooking classes and following a cool Chef are great too. A healthier, happier outlook on life is priceless. Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible.

  3. BE FIT - Nutrition doesn’t end at what we eat. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages making exercise an integral part of our lives. Try a new activity like Zumba, swimming, or yoga to keep workouts fresh and exciting.

  4. HYDRATE - We all know drinking water helps in nearly every aspect of wellness, but drinking the recommended amount of water per day can be tough. Electrolyte additives offer the same, if not better benefits that drinking six or more glasses of water a day would.

  5. COLOR CODE - When in doubt, throw some color on your plate — natural color, that is. Bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant reds from tangy fruit will give you a healthy boost.

  6. 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.