Did you set a new year’s resolution to eat better this year? Well, here we are in the third month of 2023 – do you still have your original motivation? If, by chance, you may have lost that initial spark now is the time to re-ignite that fire because March is National Nutrition Month. Seems like the perfect time to reassess your food choices, check in with your fruit and vegetable intake, and lace up those sneakers and get moving.
This year’s Nutrition Month theme is: “Fuel for the Future” – Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment.
Fuel for the Future: Eat Sustainably
Eating sustainably may sound overwhelming but here are a few simple tips to help us all get started towards fueling for our futures:
- Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks. Think ADD COLOR.
- Purchase foods with minimal packaging. Fruits and Vegetables work perfect here.
- Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible. Support our local farmers and neighbors.
- Start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home. Lettuce and basil grow great in the VI.
Make Meals a Family Affair
Why stop there? Here are a few more ideas to keep your juices flowing and celebrating National Nutrition Month:
- As a family, 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 pick out different recipes to try.
- Plan to eat more meals together as a family during National Nutrition Month®.
- If you watch TV, take breaks during commercials to be physically active.
- Practice mindful eating by limiting screentime at mealtime — including phones, computers, TV and other devices.
- Try more meatless meals — choices like beans, peas and lentils are versatile plant-based protein sources that work in a variety of dishes.
- Let everyone help with food preparation — a skill for people of all ages. If you have kids or grandkids, there are age-appropriate tasks they may enjoy learning how to do.
- Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs, spices, or citrus fruit like lemon or lime.
Want more tips on fueling your future? Schedule an appointment with our Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Colleen Cooke at Plessen Medical Center. She is here to help propel you forward and meet your nutrition, health, and fitness goals – whatever they are for YOU.