March is National Nutrition Month
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March is National Nutrition Month and the start of the spring season. What better time of the year to think about a new beginning and eating healthier?
What do you think of when you hear the word nutrition? Having to follow lots of rules about what to buy and when to eat? Nutrition isn’t just about following rules. Nutrition can be your pathway to a healthier life. Do you want to live longer and lower your risk for chronic disease – including heart disease, diabetes and cancer? Follow these suggestions from Michigan State University Extension to start your new beginning to a healthier lifestyle:
- Eat a variety of healthy foods including whole grains, fruits, vegetables, lean protein and low-fat dairy.
- Use My Plate to guide your meal planning. Following MyPlate’s suggestions will also help with portion control.
- Write out your meal plans and include a shopping list. Include foods you already have in your refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Plan to buy only what you need.
- Read food labels to choose healthier foods when shopping. Reading ingredient panels will also help you avoid added ingredients and chemicals you might choose not to eat.
- Reduce your intake of sodium, sugar and saturated and Trans fats.
- Become more physically active. Aim for at least 30 minutes each day. Activity doesn’t have to be done all at once. Break it up into three 10 minutes sessions each day if this will fit more easily into your schedule.
Make a healthier lifestyle your choice this month. Start with baby steps. Choose one activity from the list above and make it your goal this week. Soon you will be on the path to a healthy new you!
