The average american diet, is high in processed meats, sodium and sugar. Low on nuts, seeds, and omega-3 fats, it costs Americans $50 billion annually in health care for diet-related heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, and some types of cancer, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH). It can be difficult to make the right food choices for our individual needs, especially with conflicting messages about food and diets in the media and online that are not necessarily based on science.
Nutritional advice and resources
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, which certifies registered dietitians as medical professionals, provides inspiration for important dietary changes and to celebrate National Nutrition Month on its website, EatRight.org. There, you can find many ways to provide yourself and your loved ones with energy at all stages of life.
- Recipes and tips for shopping and meal planning
- Diet and lifestyle information to manage many chronic health conditions (from allergies to heart disease)
- Nutrition for pregnancy and infants
- fitness ideas
- Tips for getting the family involved in preparing meals together, and more.
Start creating new healthy habits with these tips to celebrate National Nutrition Month® in March:
- Commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National Nutrition Month®.
- Give family members a role in meal planning and let them choose different recipes to try.
- Plan to eat more meals together as a family during National Nutrition Month®.
- Explore food take-back options in your community.
- If you watch TV, take breaks during commercials to be physically active.
- Practice mindful eating by limiting screen time around mealtimes — including phones, computers, television, and other devices.
- Experiment with more meatless meals—options like beans, peas, and lentils are versatile plant-based protein sources that work in a variety of dishes.
- Let everyone help prepare the food – a skill for people of all ages. If you have kids, there are age-appropriate tasks that they might enjoy learning how to do.
- Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs, spices, or citrus fruits like lemon or lime.
To find a provider to help you live a healthy lifestyle, call us at 307.856.4161 or 307.332.4420 or visit us at SageWestHealthCare.com. We look forward to helping you live your best life through nutrition.
(Copyright information: https://www.eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month)