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There’s no time like the present to consider your eating habits and make healthy changes – especially because the present just happens to be National Nutrition Month. National Nutrition Month is an educational campaign designed to draw attention to the importance of making educated decisions about what you eat and drink and developing healthy eating and exercise habits.
The theme for 2018 is “Go Further with Food,” exploring how the right fuel can help you achieve more. Whether you’re starting your day off with a nutritious breakfast or preparing for an athletic event, choosing the right foods can make all the difference. You can also have a positive impact by preparing your food at home and buying within your local community. This month’s theme is devoted to helping people learn to adopt healthier habits while minimizing food waste for an inside-and-out nutrition makeover. Here are some ways you can embrace National Nutrition Month and start forming healthier practices this month.
1. Take inventory of your kitchen before you shop
Before buying more food, consider what you already have on hand. You might find that you don’t need to shop just yet or that you need fewer groceries than you thought. Buy ingredients that complement what you already have to make it easier and less expensive to prepare healthy meals at home – a strategy that’s as good for the environment as it is your waistline.
2. Pay attention to portion sizes
Eat and drink only what you need. Everyone’s calorie needs are different. Listen to your body and eat only what you need to alleviate your hunger. Resist the temptation to eat or drink more than you need.
3. Expand your dietary horizons
Choose a variety of foods from all the food groups each day to ensure that you are consuming all the essential nutrients your body needs for optimal health. National Nutrition Month is a great time to try a new fruit or vegetable or cook some new healthy recipes. Including a wide variety of foods in your diet will help give you the energy you need each day as well as the protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and so on you need to stay healthy.
4. Get your kids involved
Kids love a good celebration! Use National Nutrition Month as a way to teach them more about healthy eating. Make it fun by letting kids choose a few new recipes to try. Talk about What makes a food healthy and let them help with age-appropriate cooking or food prep tasks. Kids are much more likely to eat something they picked out themselves, so give them healthy guidelines and then hand over the decision-making power.
5. Find a physical activity you love
Part of good health is getting plenty of exercise. If you find exercise boring, it’s time to look for a nonconventional way to burn calories, build strength, and protect your heart. Dancing, swimming, hiking, and gardening are all excellent forms of exercise. Whatever you enjoy, do it regularly for the best benefits.
Celebrate National Nutrition Month this month by working on building new habits and making food choices that are better for you and the planet.
