The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics designates March as National Nutrition Month. It is a great time to focus on the basics of a healthy diet, and set a few goals to be more healthy. A healthy lifestyle doesn’t happen over night. Pick one or two things to work on now. Once you have those mastered, add in one or two more. Not sure where to start? Click here to read 19 Tips for 2019 from eatright.org. My favorite five tips are below:
Eat A Variety Of Healthful Foods From All Food Groups.
MyPlate tells us that everything you eat and drink matters. When you focus on eating a variety of foods from the five food groups, you are getting the nutrients your body needs. Try adding more nutrition and eating pleasure by expanding your range of food choices. When shopping, make a point of selecting a fruit, vegetable or whole grain that’s new to you or your family.
Discover The Benefits of a Healthy Eating Style.
There is more than one way to eat healthy. A healthy eating style should take your preferences, culture, traditions, and budget into consideration. Start by making half your plate fruits and veggies. Add foods that you like from the grains, protein, and dairy group to fill you plate. Read more about developing a healthy eating style by clicking here.
Choose Healthier Options When Dining Out.
Eating out doesn’t mean you have to throw your nutrition goals out the window. There are plenty of ways to make healthy choices at restaurants. Planning ahead is the best way to stay on track. Choose which restaurant you’ll eat at and review their menu before you go. Click here for more tips from MyPlate on eating away from home.
Be Mindful of Portion Sizes.
Serving sizes and portion sizes don’t always align. If you aren’t familiar with the differences, click here to learn more. Once you understand how big portions should be, pull out measuring cups or a food scale and see how your portions add up. Getting the right amounts of the right kinds of food is an important part of a healthy eating plan.
Keep It Simple! Eating Right Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated.
If you are new to the world of nutrition and creating a healthy eating style, you may feel overwhelmed. Start by following MyPlate and you’ll see how simple it can be. MyPlate is built on 6 simple principles centered around the five food groups. Read more about them by clicking here.
Here’s a delicious simple recipe for you to try.
Top it with melted mozzarella cheese, lettuce, onion slices, and tomato slices. Serve it with a large green salad and you have made it into a MyPlate meal. Enjoy!
I find it awesome when you said that a person can get into a healthy lifestyle by expanding one’s food choices to include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. As an example, one can do this by researching on which restaurant to eat from based on their portions and ingredients. Doing this will help a person keep their fitness plans on track while giving oneself a treat for doing a good job so far.
Thank you! It’s all about making smart choices.