It’s no surprise that by March, the excitement and determination of your New Year’s Resolutions have subsided and taken a back seat to the other priorities in your life. Luckily, March is a reminder that you can always pick up where you left off in your healthy habits. Choosing a healthier lifestyle doesn’t necessarily mean diet. Nutrition is a huge part of our overall health, and while a doughnut always sounds better than a salad, it is imperative to make educated food choices.
Here are a few ways to incorporate those healthier habits into your lifestyle:
- Set nutrition and exercise goals for yourself.
- Try healthier alternatives when cooking your favorite dishes,
- Plan out your meals and exercise routines.
- Acquire an accountability partner to join you in your journey.
It is important to keep in mind, being healthy doesn’t mean excluding. Everything is good in moderation, even pizza. Looking for healthier options or recipes is easy, and you don’t have to be a Pinterest Mom to find them. This month, find a health cookbook or open almost any social media platform to learn how easy it is!
Here are four realistic ways to eat healthier during National Nutrition Month:
- Drinking water- You have to admit, no one wants to drink a gallon of water a day! Try adding 1 or 2 additional glasses of water to your daily water intake.
- Opt for color- Adding colorful vegetables to your meals not only makes your meals Instagram-worthy but it adds more nutrients to your diet.
- Packing your lunch- Avoiding those drive-thru lunch trips is an obvious way to element some of the processed food from your diet. Packing your lunch gives you the ability to control portion sizes as well as helps you save money eating out!
- Shopping the Perimeter- Did you know that the closer to the center of the aisle you go, for the most part, the more processed your options are?
Tips for Eating a Well-Balanced Diet A balanced diet gives your body the nutrients it needs to work effectively. Without a healthy diet, you’re more likely to get sick, feel fatigued, and experience lower performance levels. Here are some tips for maintaining a well-balanced diet: Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat milk products. Avoid foods that are high in sugar, sodium, trans fats, and cholesterol. Eat a variety of proteins (e.g., seafood, soy products, nuts, and seeds). Stay away from highly processed foods, refined grains, red and processed meat, alcohol, and trans fats. Consult a physician before making any significant dietary changes.