March is National Nutrition Month, and this years theme is Eat Right, Bite by Bite. I really love this concept because it can be intimidating to change your entire way of eating. What we eat isn't simply determined by our habits, it is influenced by the region we live in, our culture, and what is accessible. Eating right, bite by bite isn’t about completely changing your diet, it’s about choosing each bite wisely. Here are some tips to eat right, bite by bite!
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods everyday; include food from all food groups of all colors to ensure a variety of nutrients.
- Plan your meals each week; use a grocery list to shop, choose healthy recipes and pack your meals for school/work/traveling.
- Make half your grains whole grains; they aid in digestion and help us feel full longer. Make sure first ingredient is whole grain
- Know how to read the nutrition facts panel and understand what it means for you, understand servings and set standards.
- Watch out for added sugar, make sure you check the servings per container to understand the true amount in a package.
- Limit your sodium-not just by not adding salt to your foods, but choosing foods that are less processed.
- Hydrate healthfully—choose low sugar beverages and bring your own water bottle with you to remind you to hydrate!
- Learn skills to create tasty meals and take time to enjoy your food, share meals together as a family when possible. Try new flavors and foods, reduce food waste by reusing leftovers.
- Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) if you have health concerns, or are struggling. It is best to talk to an expert about what changes to make!
These steps are a sure way to start eating right, bite by bite.
