March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is "Nutrition from the Ground Up."
Toby Smithson, RD, a spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association gives the following tips:
- Focus on fruits and veggies. Most people aren't getting enough fruits and veggies. Smithson recommends adding a serving to one meal each day and increase it every few weeks. Just simply adding fruits and veggies is important--regardless of whether they are fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Look locally. Farmer's markets are a great way to get local produce and support local farmers, too.
- Make calories count. Food is not "good" or "bad." Some have higher nutritional value than others, but all food can fit into a healthy diet. Look at food for what it contains that is good for you instead of focusing on the bad stuff. To find out how many calories you need, Smithson recommends going to www.mypyramid.gov
- Test your taste buds. Try something new--a new grain like quinoa that you have not tried before or try fish in a different way. If you hate vegetables, try new ways of incorporating them into dishes. The internet is full of great recipes, so try a new one each week and expand your eating horizons!
- Trick yourself with treats. She says that we shouldn't deprive ourselves. Yogurt, fruit, trail mix, and nuts all make great snacks.
If you love to read, check out the American Dietetic Association's recommended nutrition reading list. It isn't just books but newsletters and websites, too!
Also check out www.eatright.org anytime of the year for great nutrition tips you can use right away!
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