March is National Nutrition Month
Designated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month offers an opportunity to spotlight healthy eating and physical activity at home, school, work and in our community.
This year’s theme is Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle, which encourages everyone to adopt eating and physical activity plans that are focused on:
- Consuming fewer calories,
- Making informed food choices, and
- Getting daily exercise in order to achieve and maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of chronic disease and promote overall health.
A healthful lifestyle, with regular physical activity and an eating pattern chosen to meet individual nutrient needs within calorie limits, is vital to maintaining good health and quality of life.
A healthy eating plan emphasizes nutrient-rich foods and beverages, vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products, seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, beans and peas, and nuts and seeds, and limits foods with added fats, sugars, and salt.
An eating pattern based on the Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate recommendations can accommodate the food preferences, cultural traditions and customs of many diverse groups.
MyPlate can help you use the Dietary Guidelines to:
- Find your balance between food and physical activity to manage your weight;
- Reduce food and food components linked to increased health risks;
- Increase food and nutrients that promote health while staying within your calorie needs;
- Build a healthful eating pattern.
Click here to visit the MyPlate website with more tips and information.
