National Nutrition Month
By Joanie in Health Tips, Lifestyle Tips on 16 March 2022
Are you looking to make some changes towards a healthier you? Than National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to do it! This month focuses on the importance of healthy eating, making informed food choices & creating long lasting fitness goals.
Research shows that starting slow & making small changes is the most successful long-term strategy for healthy changes. Here are just a few habits you can start with:
🥚Eat breakfast – Have a nutritious breakfast to give your body the energy it needs to take on the day.
🍎Make 1/2 your plate Fruits & Veggies –Fruits & Veggies are filled with vitamins, minerals, antioxidants & dietary fibre, which is essential for optimum health.
🍽️ Watch Portion Sizes – Eating too much or too little of any of the major food groups can be bad for your health so it important to be conscious of portion sizes.
💧Drink Plenty of Water – Drinking enough water is crucial for the functionality of every system in our body. Experts recommend eight 8-ounce glasses per day.
🏃Be Active -As a general goal, aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity every day
🐟Eat Fish twice a week – Aim for at least 2 portions of fish every week, 1 of which should be an oily fish such as salmon or mackerel.
⏳Eat Slowly – The benefits of eating slowly include better digestion, better hydration, easier weight loss & greater satisfaction with our meals.
🍳 Cook from home – Studies show that people who regularly eat home-cooked meals made with fresh ingredients tend to be healthier as they consume less sugar & processed foods, which can result in more energy & better health.
🥗Choose Nutrient Dense Foods – Consume foods high in vitamins, minerals, fibre & antioxidants, which are not only good for your health but also low in calories. They include brightly coloured fruits & veggies, fortified & fibre rich grains, & lean meats, beans, & nuts.
🍬Reduce Added Sugars – Many people consume more sugar than they realize. It’s important to be aware of your sugar intake because added sugars contribute zero nutrients & added calories. Too much sugar can also lead to extra pounds & can contribute to chronic illness.