Is your year off to a healthy start? If you’ve veered off course, National Nutrition Month is here to remind you how to make healthier choices. Working the following tips into your life can help you get back on track.
SLOW Down
The SLOW food movement, which stands for seasonal, local, organic and whole, encourages individuals to take the time to cook and share meals with others. Try to incorporate the idea of stepping away from the fast pace of modern living, paying attention to your meal and enjoying each bite.
Keep It Simple
When you’re health conscious, it can be difficult to navigate food labels and determine what’s most important. To streamline the process, choose foods that have five or fewer ingredients.
The Half-and-Half Rule
The United States Department of Agriculture recommends filling up half your plate with fruits and vegetables and making sure to vary what you eat. (Choosing a variety of colors is an easy way to do this.) Opt for whole grains over refined grains, and mix up your proteins to include seafood, lean meats and poultry.
Baby Steps
There are several small yet positive actions you can take each day that can add up to significant changes. To increase your water consumption, start by switching one beverage each day to a glass of water. Build short, five-minute breaks into your schedule so you can relax and reenergize. And, whether you’re alone or with others, sit down for at least one meal at an actual table.
Use these tips to integrate healthy choices into your busy lifestyle and even the smallest changes will make a difference.
