You may have started your New Year off strong with a resolution to be a healthier you, and March is here to give you a reminder to stay fit and eat healthy so you can continue to look and feel your best.
March is National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests you “get your plate in shape” with these helpful hints:
•Make half your plate fruit and vegetables. Eat a variety throughout the day. You can use fresh, frozen, or canned vegetables and fruit. Just be sure to pick reduced- or low-sodium canned veggies and canned fruit packed in juice, not syrup.
*Tip: Wash and prep fruits and vegetables when you bring them home from the store. You’ll be more likely to grab a prepared healthy snack.
•Choose whole grains. Go for oatmeal, brown rice, and 100% whole grain bread and pasta.
•Vary your protein. In addition to lean meat, poultry, and eggs, eat seafood, nuts, and beans, which are all great protein sources.
*Tip: Nuts of all varieties make a great addition to salads, or try them with steamed veggies, like string beans and almond slivers.
• Cut back on sodium. About 90% of Americans over the age of 2 eat too much sodium (salt). Too much sodium can increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
•Cut back on empty calories from sugar and fats. Cakes, chips, cookies, buttered popcorn, are tasty, but all contain empty calories. Eat foods like these in moderation as a treat.
For more tip on getting your plate in shape visit: www.eatright.org
