Eat Right, Bite By Bite
March 3rd, 2020
The key to achieving optimal health cannot be found in any one food, drink or pill, but rather through your personal commitment to healthy lifestyle behaviors. Focusing on maintaining and enjoying good nutrition and daily physical activity is the key to success.
March is National Nutrition Month, a monthly observance that is supported by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Each March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating and this year’s theme Eat Right, Bite by Bite, promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day and planning and creating healthful meals each week.
Good nutrition doesn’t have to be restrictive or overwhelming. Small goals and changes can have a cumulative health effect, and every little bit (or bite!) of nutrition is a step in the right direction.
EATING ON THE RUN
You probably eat out a lot – most of us do. We’re all looking for fast, easy and great-tasting foods that fit into our busy lifestyles. Whether it’s carry-out, food court, office cafeteria or a sit-down restaurant, there are smart choices available everywhere! Follow our simple tips when eating out to try and stay on track with healthy choices:
- Think ahead and plan where you will eat. Check out the menu before you arrive. It’ll help you make a “healthier” choice.
- Menu terms for healthier options include items that are baked, braised, broiled, grilled, poached, roasted and steamed.
- Avoid menu items that are described as pan-fried, buttered, creamed, crispy, breaded.
- Order a child-size portion, or an appetizer for a lighter meal.
- Share your order with a friend or take half home for another meal.
- For desk-top dining, keep some portable, non-perishable foods in your desk drawer.
- Grabbing dinner at the supermarket on the way home? Pass up the store’s hot food bar and resist the urge to fill up a huge take out container. Choose a rotisserie chicken and a pre-made salad-in-a-bag for a quick, nutritious meal.
- No time for breakfast? Try a smoothie. There are tons of options to help you get a full serving of fruits and veggies in just one glass (see page 2 for our quick and easy green smoothie recipe).
