After a yearlong wait, National Nutrition Month® is finally here. “Put Your Best Fork Forward” is this year’s theme. The month focuses on education and sparking interest and participation in eating a healthier diet. Challenge yourself to eat healthier this month!
Eating healthy doesn’t need to be an all or nothing event. In fact, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ Dietary Guidelines for Americans states that small changes “one forkful at a time” can make a big difference in your health. Aim to increase your consumption of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats and lean proteins, and minimize processed sugars and fats in your diet. Following all the recommendations may seem overwhelming, but they can be broken down in small steps. For instance, try substituting one of your normal snacks with a piece of fruit, or exchanging regular bread or pasta for whole grain versions. After getting used to one change, try to take another step toward health.
Eat a varied diet. This keeps meals interesting while ensuring you get the nutrients you need. Make a new recipe from one of our newsletters or the Academy website to add more variety to your diet. And don’t forget to work some physical activity into your day. By slowly changing how you eat, you’ll be more likely to stick with it over time. Lastly, don’t forget about moderation. Healthy eating includes how much you eat just as much as what you eat, as noted by registered dietitian and Academy spokesperson Kristi King. Enjoying small amounts of your favorite treats is okay as long as you are eating healthy food most of the time. Bon appétit and happy National Nutrition Month®!
Written by Kyla Greenwell, Wellness Workdays Dietetic Intern
Visit Wellness Workdays for more information about our worksite wellness programs.
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