March is National Nutrition Month!

The American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has proclaimed March as National Nutrition Month®! The theme of this year’s campaign is “Fuel for the Future,” which highlights the importance of healthy foods to provide our minds and bodies with the energy and nutrients we need to function to the best of our ability. Nutrition Month emphasizes the benefits of having a balanced diet and how to make the necessary changes toward a more healthy and beneficial lifestyle for better overall health.

Healthy eating

Having a healthy diet is not being on a diet. Healthy eating is a lifestyle that promotes the consumption of nutrients from all food groups based on your body’s particular needs and preferences. Through a balanced diet, we can prevent and reduce the effects of certain diseases and even delay health issues and aging. So how can we change our eating habits without dieting?  

 

1. Planning

Start with gradual changes that are realistic and tolerable for you. Set realistic goals and a date to start making small but consistent changes.

 

2. Consult a nutrition expert

Discuss with your nutritionist and doctor the appropriate nutritional recommendations for your age, gender, state of health, and the amount of daily physical activity necessary for a better quality of life. 

 

3. Put your plan into action.

As part of your nutrition and health plan, keep the following recommendations in  mind:

• Limit products with added sugars. In the list of ingredients, added sugars can be identified sugars added such as corn syrup, high fructose corn syrup, brown sugar, and honey, among others. Consuming high amounts of these sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup has been shown to increase the risk of heart disease and weight gain.
• Watch your fat intake. Fats add a lot of calories to your menu and can contribute to weight gain. Prefer liquid fats at room temperature and avoid foods high in saturated fats.
• Check the nutrition labels. Eating foods without reading the label is blind eating. On the nutrition label, you will find information about the food’s nutrients, fats, sugars, and sodium, among other details. The nutrition label will serve as a guide to better select your food.
• Make a meal plan. You will be much more successful if you can control what you eat during the day and plan your menu for the week. Plan a menu high in fruits, vegetables of all colors, grains, seeds, nuts, and fish.
• Educate yourself! There are several alternatives for you to achieve your goal of eating healthy. It is important for you to learn more about the benefits of physical activity, essential nutrition, maintaining a healthy weight, and how to read a product’s nutrition facts label.
• Contact our Benefits Practice leader, Julio Ortiz, at julioortiz@fulcroinsurance.com to learn more about our wellness program “ProWellness.” 

Don’t let this month go by without starting your action plan for eating healthier and improving your quality of life!