Nutrition is paramount to all humans overall health and well-being. It's the essential process of using food to support our lives. According to the World Health Organization, "nutrition is a critical part of health and development. Better nutrition is related to improved infant, child and maternal health, stronger immune systems, safer pregnancy and childbirth, lower risk of non-communicable diseases (such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease), and longevity." In other words, when we improve our nutrition, we can improve our lives.
March is National Nutrition Month®. It's an annual campaign that was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as an invitation for people to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
We are excited to celebrate National Nutrition Month namely because it involves two of our favorite things: exploring a variety of nutritious foods and learning about how those yummy foods impact our health. We believe that you can build more confidence from the inside out by taking a greater interest in what you eat and forging healthier habits.
7 Ways You Can Participate in Nutrition Month This March
1. Load up on healthy snacks for the week
To ward off the peaks and valleys of hunger, try stocking your fridge each week with healthy snacks that you actually enjoy. When you're ravenous - aka hangry - you may reach for an unhealthy snack that can satisfy your hunger for a moment but ultimately won't help sustain your energy levels. At the beginning of the week, wash and cut up some fresh veggies. Then pop them into your favorite container so you can easily grab them throughout the week. Enjoy the veggies with hummus or a spoonful of a nut butter.
2. Explore new types of foods and cuisines
The world is a big place full of so many different types of foods and traditions. Mix up your meals by exploring a new type of food, spices, dish, or cuisine from a different culture. Treat your next lunch or dinner as a trip to another part of the world that you would like to visit. The world is your oyster.
3. Make it a family affair
We love to bring people together with food. This month, invite your friends, family, spouse, or roommate to celebrate Nutrition Month with you. Search for new recipes together, grocery shop together, prep for the week together, and get inspired by what your family can bring to the table, literally.
4. Dive into nutrition resources by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
The organization has put together a comprehensive library of resources that are free and easy to use. They provide healthy tips sheets, games and activities, planning materials, and press releases. Get everything you need to know about improving your nutrition from eating right on a budget to reducing food waste and how to include foods from other cultures. Check out the nutrition resources here.
5. Move your body
Moving our bodies is just as important as fueling our bodies with nutritious foods. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that children and teenagers get at least 60 minutes of exercise every day and adults should get at least 2.5 hours of exercise per week. There are plenty of ways you can get some exercise - you don't need to be a gym rat. If you enjoy dancing, dance at home while you cook or look into taking classes at a local rec center. You can take a walk in your neighborhood or go for a bike ride. Play tennis, Frisbee golf, or shoot some hoops.
6. Read all labels
Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to your health. Take a look at the labels of the food in your pantry and when you're making your next purchase of a food item that comes in a box. You may be shocked to find out how much sugar certain snacks and beverages contain. Food labels are becoming more complex, and some can even be misleading. Here's a short guide from Healthline that will help you read food labels like a pro.
7. Meal plan
Be more efficient with your time (and budget) by meal planning during the month of March. Carve out a time to select a few nutritious recipes, write out your grocery list, prep and store the food. Meal planning can help you avoid those extra trips to the store or those expensive meal delivery purchases when you're pressed on time.
Digest All Foods with Confidence
This month (and every month) we are all for encouraging our community to opt for leafy greens over iceberg lettuce as a way to get more nutrients and immune boosting vitamins. However, nutrient-rich foods, like spinach and kale, can be harder to digest because they’re high in fiber. Incorporating Confidence digestive enzymes will help you maximize the valuable nutrients from leafy greens the next time you eat a salad. Enjoy all the healthful benefits without the bloat.