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 Put Your Best Fork Forward, which encourages everyone to choose healthier options when dining out.
According to the Academy, how much you eat is as important as what you eat. For example, if you plan to have lunch with co-workers, eat a light dinner. If you know you’re going to a restaurant in the evening, plan to have lighter meals earlier in the day.
Most restaurants offer healthy side dishes such as salads and steamed or roasted vegetables.
To-go boxes can help control portions. Eat half of your meal at the restaurant and take the other half home for a second meal.
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, nuts and seeds, and limits foods with added fats, sugars, and salt.
An eating pattern based on dietary guidelines and MyPlate recommendations can accommodate the food preferences, cultural traditions and customs of many diverse groups.
MyPlate can help you use 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 for more tips and information.
