6 simple steps to healthier eating
March is National Nutrition Month — an education campaign of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics designed to bring more awareness to the importance of making informed eating choices.
This year the theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” which helps us think about fueling our bodies with food that is both healthy and tastes great. It can be a challenge to eat healthy foods on a consistent basis. But the benefits for you and others in your life are tremendous.
As an outpatient therapist at TrueNorth Wellness Services, I have co-facilitated several groups that teach the importance of making healthy food choices every day. The LEARN Program is a 12-week program designed to teach healthy eating and exercise, and the "I Can" challenge targets individuals who suffer from current and potential life-threatening medical conditions as a result of obesity and years of unhealthy eating habits.
Leading these groups has increased my passion to encourage others to consider long-term healthy eating and lifestyle changes as I strive toward improving my own eating habits.
It is not the one-time unhealthy eating choice at a family gathering, party or picnic that makes or breaks someone’s overall healthy eating plan.
There are many easy steps that can help you identify and implement healthier eating habits:
- Start your own garden: Small or large — whatever you are able to manage. Eating fresh produce is a great way to increase the quality of your food intake.
- Snack smart: We all snack, so why not include healthier choices like smoothies, yogurt with mixed nuts, kale chips, cut-up vegetables. Variety is the spice of life!
- Be prepared: Plan ahead for meals and snacks so it isn't as easy to reach in the refrigerator for an unhealthy choice or go out for fast food. Preparing your dinner and lunches for the week every Sunday sets you up for greater success in making healthy food choices.
- Sneak your veggies: Make small improvements by adding healthy foods to common dishes — spinach or kale in smoothies; spinach, tomatoes or mushrooms in your eggs; sliced tomatoes and spinach on your sandwich, all on whole-wheat bread or a wrap, of course. You get the idea!
- Share recipes: Work with others to make boring food come “alive.” If you prepare the same food the same way, it can lead to unhealthy food choices. But you don’t have to be a chef to make healthy, tasty food — just a willingness to practice!
- Encourage others: Our lifestyle and habits can encourage others in our families or co-workers to eat in a more nutritious manner.
Let’s all strive to improve our eating habits and eat more nutritious food as we celebrate National Nutrition Month. Remember, you don’t have to eat less — you just have to eat right.
James High is an outpatient therapist with TrueNorth Wellness Services, a behavioral health and wellness nonprofit serving south central Pennsylvania.