National Nutrition Month ® is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
This year's theme is "Beyond the Table" which addresses everything from food production and distribution to grocery stores and farmers markets. It also describes the various ways we eat — not only around a dinner table, but also on the go, in schools and restaurants, at games and events. This theme also
includes sustainability, for instance, decreasing food waste from school and work to home and beyond.
Here are some tips to help you make good nutrition choices:
Focus on a healthy eating routine.
- Even when eating away from home, most restaurants have nutrition information available. Grocery shop with a healthy menu in mind and take note of sales.
- Watch portion sizes – half of your plate should be fruits and vegetables.
Fix healthy snacks – for yourself and your kids! Include grains, fruits, vegetables, dairy and protein. Avoid sugar.
Learn to grow your own food.
- If you are new to this idea, visit a local farm or farmers market and talk to the folks who are growing and harvesting food.
- If you don’t have space for a garden, grow herbs or lettuce indoors.
- Tomatoes, peppers, or strawberries may work in a pot on your porch or patio.
Learn how to freeze, can or store produce for the future days.
Then cook at home!
Drink more water!
Quench your thirst with water instead of sugary drinks. Just two cans of soda a week can erase the heart-healthy gains of exercise! Stay hydrated, especially in
warmer weather.
Talk to a nutritionist.
If you are serious about a healthy diet, or if you currently have a medical condition that requires better nutrition, reach out to a nutritionist. They can help you learn to manage your weight, lower your health risks, or manage a chronic disease. Your family doctor can also help.
HCCM is blessed to be able to offer a wide variety of healthy food options, including fresh vegetables and fruit in all our food programs. Our Fresh Food for
All program distributed nearly 200,00 pounds of fresh produce alone!
You can visit this link https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month , to access more healthy ideas!
Let’s get healthy together!!
