March 12, 2024 by masterson98
When you think about nutrition, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it is my diet and what I consume – healthy or not. This month is National Nutrition Month, which focuses on the importance on making informed food choices and creating good eating and physical activity habits. With spring right around the corner, the weather will soon be warmer and more inviting to be outside, and food choices will become more diverse! Here in Ohio, the rate of death from heart disease is 12% higher than the rate for the United States… Yikes! Heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases can be minimized with changes to our lifestyles, such as nutrition! When our nutrition is not quite the way it should be for a long period of time, it takes a dramatic toll on our health, so let’s talk about ways to incorporate good habits in March!
Sometimes, if you have older adults in your life that struggle with health issues, it will begin with a conversation about why you are concerned about their eating habits and the importance of good choices. Say why eating is important, such as stating “Your health is important to me. I care about you and want you to live a healthy life”. Suggest healthy changes or even offer to help. These steps of feeling supported can help healthy changes stick! Celebrate Your Plate is a great resource to find healthy, seasonal recipes that are budget and family friendly as well! Fixing eating habits can be difficult, so start small. Here are a few tips to help on your journey to better health and nutrition in 2024:1) Eat a variety of whole grains, proteins, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Protein foods include seafood, poultry, beans, nuts, and eggs.2) Eat a colorful variety of fruits and veggies. These are high in fiber and nutrients.
3) Don’t get overly “salty” when picking out food. Look for wording like “low sodium” or “no salt added” on packaged goods. Using herbs and spices is a great way to add flavor to food without adding salt.
Written by: Alexus Masterson, MPH, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Muskingum County, Ohio State University Extension, [email protected]
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, MPH, RDN, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Franklin County, Ohio State University Extension
Resources:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2024, February 29). National Nutrition Month. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month.
Celebrate Your Plate. (2024). https://celebrateyourplate.org/
National Health Service. (2022, November 22). 8 tips for healthy eating. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/
March 12, 2024
National Nutrition Month | Live Healthy Live Well
maximios Blog
March 12, 2024 by masterson98
When you think about nutrition, what is the first thing that comes to mind? For me, it is my diet and what I consume – healthy or not. This month is National Nutrition Month, which focuses on the importance on making informed food choices and creating good eating and physical activity habits. With spring right around the corner, the weather will soon be warmer and more inviting to be outside, and food choices will become more diverse! Here in Ohio, the rate of death from heart disease is 12% higher than the rate for the United States… Yikes! Heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic diseases can be minimized with changes to our lifestyles, such as nutrition! When our nutrition is not quite the way it should be for a long period of time, it takes a dramatic toll on our health, so let’s talk about ways to incorporate good habits in March!
Sometimes, if you have older adults in your life that struggle with health issues, it will begin with a conversation about why you are concerned about their eating habits and the importance of good choices. Say why eating is important, such as stating “Your health is important to me. I care about you and want you to live a healthy life”. Suggest healthy changes or even offer to help. These steps of feeling supported can help healthy changes stick! Celebrate Your Plate is a great resource to find healthy, seasonal recipes that are budget and family friendly as well! Fixing eating habits can be difficult, so start small. Here are a few tips to help on your journey to better health and nutrition in 2024:1) Eat a variety of whole grains, proteins, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. Protein foods include seafood, poultry, beans, nuts, and eggs.2) Eat a colorful variety of fruits and veggies. These are high in fiber and nutrients.
3) Don’t get overly “salty” when picking out food. Look for wording like “low sodium” or “no salt added” on packaged goods. Using herbs and spices is a great way to add flavor to food without adding salt.
Written by: Alexus Masterson, MPH, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Muskingum County, Ohio State University Extension, [email protected]
Reviewed by: Jenny Lobb, MPH, RDN, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Franklin County, Ohio State University Extension
Resources:
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2024, February 29). National Nutrition Month. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/about-national-nutrition-month.
Celebrate Your Plate. (2024). https://celebrateyourplate.org/
National Health Service. (2022, November 22). 8 tips for healthy eating. NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/how-to-eat-a-balanced-diet/eight-tips-for-healthy-eating/