March is National Nutrition Month

About one third of the U.S. adult population are overweight. In order to help maintain a healthy weight, good nutrition and physical activity are needed. In honor of Nutrition Month, let us all work together to stay informed of how Good Nutrition can help play a role in having a healthier lifestyle.

Good nutrition consists of making sure your body gets all the vitamins, nutrients, and minerals it needs in addition to making sure your body gets exercise daily. Nutrients are important because they help you grow, repair your body tissue, and help build new muscle tissue. To get all the nutrients you need, choose foods from all five food groups including, fruits, vegetables, grains, protein and dairy.

Choose a diet low in saturated fats, sodium, and added sugars. Use the healthy plate method like the one depicted below to help build a healthy eating style. Fill half of your plate with whole fruits and non-starchy vegetables like cucumber, spinach, and celery. Fill one fourth of your plate with whole grains like whole wheat, quinoa, oats, and brown rice. Then the other one fourth of your plate should be filled with protein such as fish, poultry, beans and nuts.

When cooking with oils use healthy vegetable oils in moderation like olive, canola, soy, corn, sunflower, or peanut oils. When it comes to your beverage choices, be sure to skip the sugary drinks and limit your milk and dairy products to two servings per day. Instead drink more water, tea, or coffee without the added sugars. Take initiative for Nutrition Month by finding a healthier you! You’ll feel better about yourself in the long run.