March is National Nutrition Month!
Choices we make daily, including what we’re going to eat and drink, can make a big difference — both now and in the future.
School and family meals are important, but healthy choices go beyond the foods and drinks we enjoy while sitting at the lunch or dinner table. They include our snacks, breakfasts on the go, eating out with friends, and even where foods are grown and how they’re prepared.
Our food choices also can affect the health of our planet. Have you ever thought about the work that goes into producing the foods we eat? This includes how food is grown or raised, where and how it is made, as well as its safety. It’s important to think about the foods we eat and the nutrition they provide, but is there more we could be doing to improve our health and the environment?
Focus on a healthy eating routine
Making healthy food choices may seem difficult at times, especially when eating away from home,
but it doesn’t have to be. Many eating places provide nutrition information right on the menu or
online to help you choose healthier options. When purchasing food from a store, use a grocery list and
pay attention to sales. You also can learn about resources in your community that offer access to
healthy foods, such as food banks.
Seek the help of a Health Professional
Registered dietitians nutritionists, also known as RDNs, nutritionists and health coaches are food and nutrition experts who help people live healthier lives. These health professionals can help you explore ways to reach your health goals. Make an appointment with a health professional who specializes in your specific needs to jumpstart your plan for personal wellness.
Learn what’s involved in growing your food
There are many ways you can learn about how your food is produced. Visit a local farm or farmers
market and talk with the people who are growing and harvesting your food. Many farmers and food
producers will be happy to answer your questions, let you sample products or provide recipes for foods
that are new to you. Some local farms even have tours, so people can see how they operate.
You also can grow your own fruits and vegetables at home. Want to try gardening but have limited
space? Grow herbs or lettuce indoors. Tomatoes, peppers or strawberries may work, too, if you have
a patio or porch with enough sunlight. Schools, churches and other places may offer community
gardens where you can participate in the growing process and share in the harvest.
Not quite ready to get your hands in the dirt? Many local farms offer programs, which include “farm shares” of produce during a growing season. Depending on the farm, additional products such as
eggs or meat might be included.
Source: Eat Right, edited