During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.  “Balance” is the latest work on heart-healthy eating, according to a new report that encourages people to adopt broad eating habits instead of focusing on single foods – it’s not one size its all. Nutrition doesn’t end at what we eat.  The Academy of Nutrition encourages making exercise an integral part of our lives.  Try a new activity like Zumba, swimming, or spinning to keep workouts fresh and exciting.

Find Inspiration

Is your diet feeling stale, lacking excitement? Pinterest and the internet can provide new inspiration and unlimited recipe options to kick start your nutrition journey. Include healthy foods from all the food groups, incorporate your favorite cultural foods and traditions.  Choose healthy recipes to make at home during the week and try flavors and foods from around the world.  Share your meals with friends and family whenever possible.

Meet with a Dietitian

Ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.  They’ll provide you with a detailed meal plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and goals.  Most health insurance plans cover the cost of dietitian services.  Anyway, a healthier, happier outlook on life is priceless.

Healthy Eating Tips for the Whole Family

• For snack time, keep fresh fruit and pre-chopped or no-chop vegetables on hand. Your family is more likely to grab fruits and vegetables over other items if they are readily available.
• Enjoy fish high in omega-3 fatty acids.  Oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, trout, and albacore tuna are good choices.
• A small handful of nuts or seeds can be a satisfying and healthy snack.  Look for unsalted or lightly salted nuts.  Almonds, hazelnuts, peanuts, pecans, pistachios, and walnuts are all good choices.
• Vegetables and fruits are loaded with nutrients and fiber, and typically low in calories and sodium.  Fresh, frozen or canned produce can all be healthy choices, but compare food labels and choose wisely.

Four Ways to Eat Healthier

• Water:  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 than drinking six or more glasses of water a day would.
• Choose food over supplements:  Although, there are some individuals who sincerely need certain vitamins and minerals that can not be provided by food alone, but most of the good things our bodies need can be obtained from food.  Research shows that certain supplements have not been tested to meet man purity and safety standards, making them an unreliable source of nutrition.  
• Go for color:  Throw some color on your plate, natural color, bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant reds from tangy fruit will not only make your meal, but they will also give you a healthy boost.
• Pack your lunch:  Avoiding typical fast-food options seem obvious, but according to most nutritionists it is even more important to control your portion sizes and healthier options when you pack your own lunch.  Try something fun like a DYI bento box.

Learn more at https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month!

References: 
American Heart Association
https://newsroom.heart.org

Eat Right – Nutrition Month
www.eatright.org