National Nutrition Month® - 20 Health Tips for 2020
Date: 03/11/20
Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focuses attention on healthy eating through National Nutrition Month®. This year’s theme, Eat Right, Bite by Bite, promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day. It also promotes planning and creating healthy meals each week and the value of consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity can make a significant difference in your health. For National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.
Below are 20 health tips for 2020 from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
1. Eat Breakfast. Start your morning with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables.
2. Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables your daily goal. Experiment with different types, including fresh, frozen and canned.
3. Watch Portion Sizes. Get out the measuring cups and see how close your portions are to the recommended serving size.
4. Be Active. Regular physical activity has many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can.
5. Get to Know Food Labels. Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you shop and eat or drink smarter.
6. Fix Healthy Snacks. Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods.
7. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs can help you by providing sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice.
8. Follow Food Safety Guidelines. Reduce your chances of getting sick with proper food safety. Learn more about home food safety at www.homefoodsafetyorg.
9. Drink More Water. Quench your thirst with water instead of drinks with added sugars.
10. Get Cooking. Preparing foods at home can be healthy, rewarding and cost-effective.
11. Dine Out without Ditching Goals. You can eat out and stick to your healthy eating plan! The key is to plan-ahead, ask questions and choose foods carefully.
12. Enact Family Meal Time. Plan to eat as a family at least a few times each week. Get kids involved in meal planning and cooking, and use this time to teach them about good nutrition.
13. Banish Brown-Bag Boredom. Whether it’s for work or school, prevent brown-bag boredom with easy-to-make, healthy lunch ideas.
14. Reduce Added Sugars. Foods and drinks with added sugars can contribute empty calories and little or no nutrition.
15. Eat Seafood Twice a Week. Seafood—fish and shellfish—contains a range of nutrients including healthy omega-3 fats. Salmon, trout, oysters and sardines are higher in omega-3s and lower in mercury.
16. Explore New Foods and Flavors. Add more nutrition and eating pleasure by expanding your range of food choices.
17. Experiment with Plant-Based Meals. Expand variety in your menus with budget friendly meatless meals. Vegetables, beans, and lentils are all great substitutes. Try including one meatless meal per week to start.
18. Make an Effort to Reduce Food Waste. Check out what foods you have on hand before stocking up at the grocery store. Managing these food resources at home can help save nutrients and money.
19. Slow Down at Mealtime. Instead of eating on the run, try sitting down and focusing on the food you are about to eat.
20. Supplement with Caution. Choose foods first for your nutrition needs. A dietary supplement may be necessary when nutrient requirements cannot be met or there is a confirmed deficiency.
Learn more about National Nutrition Month® and how to make smart food and nutrition choices.
Source: www.eatright.org