March is Nutrition Month!

//March is Nutrition Month!

March is Nutrition Month!

March is Nutrition Month, and it’s a perfect time to take a moment to reflect on our eating habits and make changes that will help us live healthier and happier lives. Good nutrition is essential for our overall wellbeing and the foundation of good health. A healthy diet can reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. It’s never too late to start making healthier choices.

Here are some tips on how you can nourish your body for optimal nutrition:

  1. Eat a variety of nutrient-dense foods: Eating a variety of nutrient-dense foods is important because it ensures that we get all the nutrients our body needs. Choose foods that are nutrient-dense, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. These foods provide a range of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and other beneficial compounds that support good health.
  2. Make half your plate fruits and vegetables: Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals, and fiber, and they should make up half of your plate at each meal. Try to include a variety of colors to get a broad range of nutrients.
  3. Choose whole grains: Whole grains are rich in fiber and can help reduce the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. Choose whole-grain bread, brown rice, and whole-grain pasta.
  4. Include lean proteins: Lean proteins such as fish, chicken, turkey, and legumes are essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Choose lean cuts of meat and limit processed meats such as bacon and sausage.
  5. Limit unhealthy fats: Saturated and trans fats can increase the risk of heart disease, so it’s essential to limit your intake. Choose healthier fats such as olive oil, avocado, nuts, and seeds.
  6. Limit processed foods and added sugars: Processed foods are often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and sodium. These ingredients can increase our risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Try to limit your intake of processed foods such as sugary drinks, candies, and baked goods and choose whole, minimally processed foods instead.
  7. Stay hydrated: Drinking enough water is essential for good health. It helps regulate body temperature, transport nutrients, and remove waste products. Aim to drink at least 8 cups of water per day, and more if you’re active or live in a hot climate.
  8. Plan ahead: Planning ahead can help you make healthier choices. Plan your meals and snacks in advance and make sure you have healthy options available when you’re on the go.
  9. Listen to your body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues. Eat when you’re hungry and stop when you’re full. Avoid eating when you’re bored or stressed.
  10. Practice mindful eating: Mindful eating means paying attention to the food we eat, how it tastes, and how it makes us feel. It can help us make healthier choices, reduce overeating, and improve digestion. Try to eat slowly, without distractions, and focus on the experience of eating.
  11. Get enough sleep: Sleep is essential for good health, and it’s also important for maintaining a healthy weight. Lack of sleep can disrupt our hormones, increase our appetite, and reduce our ability to make healthy choices. Aim to get at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night.
  12. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise is essential for good health. It can help us maintain a healthy weight, reduce our risk of chronic diseases, and improve our mental health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming.

Good nutrition is essential for good health, and by making small changes to our eating habits, we can improve our overall well-being. By following these tips, you can nourish your body for optimal nutrition, and live a healthier and happier life.

In Health,

alexandra-signature-e1419344875338

2023-04-20T11:59:27-07:00