March is National Nutrition Month.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Education dietitian at Pella Regional Health Center Cathy Pollock says balancing food and beverages within an individual’s energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food or meal is important. She says improving overall health requires a lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors. Pollock emphasizes sustainable and enjoyable eating practices and daily physical activity.
“The first step is to focus on balancing calories with physical activity and consuming an overall healthy eating pattern. This will put you on the road to achieving or maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of developing diet-related chronic diseases,” said. “A healthy eating pattern will allow you to meet the dietary recommendations while staying within your calorie needs.”
Here are some Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
1. Eat Breakfast
2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables
3. Watch Portion Sizes
4. Be Active Regularly
5. Fix Healthy Snacks
6. Get to Know Food Labels
7. Consult a Registered Dietitian
8. Follow Food Safety Guidelines
9. Get Cooking at Home
10. Dine Out without Ditching Your Goals
11. Enact Family Meal Time
12. Banish Brown Bag Boredom
13. Drink More Water
14. Explore New Foods and Flavors
15. Eat Seafood Twice a Week