5 Tips for Nutrition Month
By Brandi Goodman
Nutrition Month comes at the perfect time. The dreary days of winter are saying goodbye and the spring season is gifting the states with sunshine and growth. What better way to enjoy some healthy foods than on a bright, sunny day outside? These five tips for Nutrition Month can help you make the most of the March occasion.
Take Time for Your Meal
Too many people gulp down their food in heaps because they're trying to get through a meal quickly before they're on to the next task. You may eat too much because you aren't giving your body time to digest and notify you when it's full. It's better to take time for your meal. Sit down and really enjoy the occasion as you savor every nutritious bite.
Start Your Day With a Healthy Breakfast
You need to fuel your body and mind for the day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping breakfast altogether or quickly scarfing down a snack on the way out the door won't do you any good. Choose a healthy meal in the morning that gives you energy and keeps you satisfied until lunchtime. Greek yogurt and fruit is one option. Eggs are also beneficial.
Use Aging Produce in Smoothies
Produce can age quickly, leaving it inedible after just a few days. When vegetables and fruits in your fridge or on the counter start to become brown or soft, you don't have to throw them away. They may not be appealing to bite into, but you can dice up the best parts of it and use it in smoothies. They'll blend up well and taste just as great as the day you brought them home.
Encourage Everyone to Get Involved in the Kitchen
One person shouldn't be in charge of all meals for the household. Instead, encourage everyone to get involved in the kitchen. Young kids can help mix things. Your teenager can learn to cook a dish on their own. Your spouse can clean up as you cook. Having the whole family involved can offer bonding time while also showing everybody how fun it can be to make and eat a healthy meal at home.
Make a Grocery List
Having a grocery list in your hand can help you stick with the healthy ingredients you need. Going into the store with no set list in mind will make it easier to grab the most tempting items off the shelves. Add plenty of fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole-grain items to your paper so you stay in those sections and don't need to deviate.
Take these tips to heart every month of the year, not just during Nutrition Month. A healthy, balanced meal should always be on your plate -- enjoyed slowly.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Salem, N.H.