March is National Nutrition Month®, a time when we focus on making healthy choices for our bodies. Here are some more details about National Nutrition Month, and how you can participate in making healthier choices this March. 

 

What is National Nutrition Month®?

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics hosts National Nutrition Month® every year in March. raises awareness of the importance of making informed choices about food and developing good eating and activity habits.

Every year, National Nutrition Month® has a different theme to make it fun, unique, and engaging for all participants. 

 

What is the Theme for National Nutrition Month 2022?

The theme for National Nutrition Month 2022 is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” It encourages us to incorporate our favorite foods from diverse cultures and unique traditions into our diets.

 

5 Ways to Celebrate National Nutrition Month® in 2022

To celebrate National Nutrition Month 2022, here are our top 5 nutrition tips and tricks to help you start this month off right.

 

1. Make a Grocery List and Stick to It

One of the best ways to ensure you’re eating healthy is to plan ahead. Make a grocery list before you go shopping, and stick to it. This will help you avoid buying unhealthy snacks or processed foods on impulse.

If possible, try to do most of your shopping at farmer’s markets or local grocery stores. This way, you’ll be supporting local businesses and know exactly where your food is being sourced. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be boring. There are tons of delicious recipes out there that use fresh, whole ingredients. Take some time to find a few new recipes to try this month.

Don’t forget to include plenty of fruits and vegetables.

 

2. Cook Meals at Home Instead of Eating Out

Cooking meals at home doesn’t just save you money; it also saves you from taking in more calories than you need. With the groceries you purchased at the store, you can more easily determine your portion sizes and how you prepare your food.

Cooking at home gives you the most control over your diet and nutritional needs.

If cooking meals from scratch is too time-consuming, there are still plenty of options you can make with minimal effort. For example, try grilled chicken or fish, a salad made with fresh ingredients, or roasted vegetables. You could make large portions and include them in other meals throughout the week to get the most bang for your buck.

If time is a concern for you, consider healthier frozen meals or subscribing to a meal prep service.

Eating out is definitely more convenient, but it’s not always the best choice for your health Explore some of these convenient, fast, healthy options you can enjoy at home instead.

 

3. Add More Water to Your Diet

Cutting sugary drinks out and including more water is a great way to stay healthier during National Nutrition Month®.

Sugary drinks like sodas, energy drinks, and even some fruit juices are high in calories and can contribute to weight gain. They can also cause tooth decay.

Water is essential for our bodies and has many benefits, including helping to regulate our body temperature and flush out toxins.

Make an effort to drink half of your body weight in ounces per day.  Example: If you weigh 150 pounds, drink 75 ounces of water daily. (Max 100 oz unless it’s a hot or active day.) Keeping a refillable water bottle at your desk during the workday is an easy way to get more water in your diet.

 

4. Exercise

Just as good nutrition is key to staying healthy, so is exercise. Eating healthy and exercising are important on their own, but they’re even more effective when you are using both.

Here are some exercise ideas to try this month:

• Walking
• Jogging
• Running
• Hiking
• Bowling
• Biking
• Joining a gym, fitness class, or recreational sports team
• Hiring a personal trainer
• Yoga

 

5. Consult a Nutrition Expert

If you’re really struggling with eating a healthier diet, consider consulting a nutrition professional near you.

Not everyone’s nutritional needs are the same. You can’t rely on the Nutrition Facts label’s daily values percentages to be right for you, especially if your body needs more than or fewer than the baseline 2,000 calorie diet.

Lifelong Metabolic Center’s weight loss program can help determine your nutritional needs and show you how you can meet them.

 

Contact Lifelong Metabolic Center for More National Nutrition Month® Ideas

For more information on how to get the most out of National Nutrition Month 2022 or to learn more about our other services, contact Lifelong Metabolic Center.