Sound nutrition can mean a healthier – and perhaps even happier – you.
Feeling guilty about those faded New Year’s resolutions for a healthy 2015? Take heart. Spring is officially on the calendar this month – a great time for sales reps and their customers to jumpstart healthy habits. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March National Nutrition Month®, and offers a range of tips for healthy eating and maintaining sound nutrition.
For starters, the organization recommends the following:
- Eat breakfast. You’ve heard it before: Breakfast is an important meal. But, it’s especially so when it includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
- Make half your plate fruits and vegetables. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends eating two cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables daily.
- Portion control. If half of the plate is designated to fruits and vegetables, the other half should contain grains, lean meat, seafood or beans – all within recommended portion sizes.
- Exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends adults get at least 2 ½ hours of exercise each week.
- Healthy snacking. Low-fat yogurt with fruit, or whole grain crackers with low-fat cheese are two suggestions. (For more, visit eatright.org.)
- Read food labels.
- When in doubt, consult a registered dietician about diet and food choices.
- Follow food safety guidelines. Each year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that nearly one in six Americans get sick from foodborne disease each year, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Learn to cook. Cooking at home can be healthy and cost-effective.
- When dining out, plan ahead in order to stick to healthy eating habits.
- Make mealtime about family. Research has shown that family meals promote healthier eating.
- Spice up a boring brown bag lunch. For ideas, visit http://homefoodsafety.org.
- Drink more water. The body depends on water to regulate temperature, transport nutrients and oxygen to cells, carry away waste products and more.
- Explore new foods. A little variety is good for everyone!
Eating fruits and vegetables needn’t be a chore.
Fruits and vegetables can add flavor, color, texture and vitamins, minerals and fiber to one’s plate. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics offers the following suggestions:
- Use broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini as pizza toppers.
- Make a breakfast smoothie using low-fat milk, strawberries and bananas.
- Swap chips with crunchy vegetables and dip or dressing.
- Fill a whole-wheat tortilla with roasted vegetables and low-fat cheese.
- Stuff an omelet with veggies.
- Add grated and chopped vegetables to meat loaf.
- Puree fruits for pancake toppings.
For more ideas, visit www.eatright.org.