By Jessica Maillet, MS, RD, LDN
Celebrate National Nutrition Month this March by building a healthy nutrition foundation from the ground up. This key message from the American Dietetic Association challenges us to improve our nutrition by setting a sound base of healthy habits to build upon. Here are ten ways to improve your nutrition from the ground up:
1. Ask the Experts. Registered Dietitians (RD) are the public’s trusted source for reliable, appropriate, and scientifically-sound nutrition recommendations. When building a house, you seek out a licensed contractor; likewise, when you’re building a foundation for a healthy lifestyle, seek out a registered dietitian. S/he can tailor an individualized healthful eating plan that works for you.
2. Make a Move. Start slow when making attainable and realistic lifestyle changes.
3. Focus on fruits and vegetables. Only 24% of Americans consume five servings of fruits and vegetables daily (source). Snack on carrots instead of cookies, add an extra cup of chopped kale to casseroles, or drink a POM 100% pomegranate juice and seltzer spritzer instead of soda.
4. Choose quality, not quantity. Meals that focus on vegetables, legumes, whole grains, fruits and lean proteins will provide you with a nutritional knockout. Keep in mind that foods with fewer calories may not always pack a nutrient-rich punch.
5. Treat yourself. Craving something sweet? Indulge in a low-fat yogurt parfait with a sprinkle of whole grain cereal and pomegranate arils. Indulgences can be healthy and delicious!
6. Challenge your palate. National Nutrition Month is a great time to try healthful foods or recipes that are new to you. When you build your nutritional foundation with vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy, and lean proteins, the possibilities are endless!
7. Eat Local. Find fresh, locally-grown foods at the farmers market. From asparagus to spinach to tomatoes, you can support your local economy just by eating.
8. Please the picky eaters. Be a healthy role model by eating healthful foods and teaching a love of healthful foods in your own children’s lives.
9. Enjoy eating. Find pleasure in the process of sitting down to a meal and savoring each delicious bite.
10. Set the example. When your family, friends and co-workers begin to see your progress and success on a healthy eating plan, invite them to do the same!
Click here for more information about National Nutrition Month
