Healthy Eating Habits
Celebrate National Nutrition Month and Unlock the Potential of Food
March is National Nutrition Month, an opportunity to celebrate and emphasize the importance of healthy eating habits. This year’s theme is Unlock is the Potential of Food, encouraging individuals to make informed food choices that lead to long-term health benefits. Eating healthy is not just about weight loss, it improves your mood, reduces the risk of chronic diseases, and boosts your energy levels.
Healthy eating habits are essential for a healthy life. Eating a balanced diet rich in nutrients provides energy, improves mood, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. Developing healthy eating habits can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it can be a seamless and sustainable process.
One of the best ways to start developing healthy eating habits is to make informed food choices. This means understanding the nutritional value of the foods you eat and making choices that support your overall health and wellness. Here are some tips for making informed food choices:
- Choose whole foods: foods that are minimally processed and contain whole ingredients are generally healthier and more nutrient-dense than highly processed foods.
- Read labels: understanding food labels can help you make better-informed choices about the foods you eat. Pay attention to the serving size and nutrient content of foods.
- Practice portion awareness: Learn to listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues and practice mindful eating.
- Incorporate variety: Eating a variety of foods ensures that you’re getting a range of nutrients and reduces the risk of nutrient deficiencies.
- Work with a registered dietitian: a dietitian can provide personalized nutrition information based on your unique needs and goals. They can help you create a healthy eating plan, navigate food allergies and sensitivities, and address any nutritional deficiencies you may have.
Creating Healthy Eating Habits with A Registered Dietitian
Working with a dietitian or nutritionist can help someone make the best choices for their health. A dietitian is a healthcare professional who is trained to provide personalized nutrition information and support. Providing guidance on meal planning, portion control, and healthy food substitutions.
Dietitians help individuals who have specific dietary needs, such as those with food allergies or intolerances, digestive issues, chronic diseases or those who struggle with anxiety and depression. For the high level athlete or weekend warrior, dietitians can effectively inform you about nutrition and sport performance. Dietitians provide guidance on foods to include in daily living to meet your specific needs. They can also address your hunger, fullness levels and explain how this relates to your eating patterns. Ultimately, dietitians help to dispel mis-information and inform you about grocery shopping practices and how to balance meals effectively. This support helps individuals achieve better health outcomes and reduce the risk of any complications over their lifetime.
Healthy eating habits are an essential aspect of maintaining overall health and wellness. And National Nutrition Month is an excellent opportunity to focus on developing healthy eating habits to promote overall health and wellness.
Making informed food choices, incorporating physical activity, and working with a dietitian can help individuals develop healthy habits that will have long-term benefits. This National Nutrition Month, let’s focus on unlocking the potential of food with nutritious meals and snacks that promote optimal health and well-being. By making informed food choices, practicing portion awareness, incorporating variety into your diet, and working with a dietitian, you can Unlock the Potential of Food with the nutrients your body needs to thrive.
Curious about working with a dietitian? We have the team, and resources to make your experience a positive one.
Resources
- https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/corporate/news/regional-news/western-sentinel/2023/03/unlock-the-potential-of-food.html
- https://www.dietitians.ca/Advocacy/Toolkits-and-Resources
- https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/basics/healthy-diets/hlv-20049477
- https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/adults/index.Htm
- https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/physical-activity-research/