“Let thy food be thy medicine,” said Hippocrates (a long, long time ago), but the sentiment still rings true. National Nutrition Month, celebrated during the month of March, stresses the importance of a balanced diet and exercise.
Make sure you embrace the arrival of springtime by making sound decisions about food and incorporate diet into your daily health routine. A core component of dietary health education is encouraging and promoting good habits that can become part of routine behavior.
Most of us already have habits when it comes to eating. Unfortunately, many practices, such as eating desserts as a work-related reward, can catch up to us in harmful ways. Instead of overwhelming audiences with information about ingredients or keeping up with scientific research, encourage adopting healthy routines when incorporating a well-rounded diet
Here are some steps to follow as you walk into spring and your healthy outlook ahead:
- Eat Healthy Fats — Trans fats can contribute to heart disease. In contrast, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats found in avocados, lean meats, nuts, seeds, extra-virgin olive oil, sesame oil, and fish are good for cognitive functioning and heart health.
- Consume Comfort Foods in Moderation — The delicious mac and cheese is OK for that cold afternoon lunch and yes, those M&M’s are OK too as a pick me up snack !
- Consume Plenty of Vegetables and Fruits and include that Fiber — integrating fruits and vegetables into your meals is a simple, easy habit, and they ward off heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. And don’t forget to reach for the whole grain oatmeal for breakfast.
- Remember to Drink Water -– as it provides every aspect of wellness as well as hydration.
And get out your sneakers or walking shoes for some exercise. You’ll enjoy that fresh air outside and find inspiration from nature as well.
For more information, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers Healthy Eating Communications. These resources provide sample social media posts, downloadable interactive tools, and shareable graphics to increase awareness of healthy eating and audience engagement. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/resources-publications/benefits-of-healthy-eating.html
