Do you remember the book The Very Hungry Caterpillar? Or what about Eating The Alphabet? I read these books to my kids when they were young . The focus in the books is eating more fruits and vegetables. It’s never too early to emphasize healthy habits and this year’s National Nutrition Month (NNM) theme emphasizes that very idea.
The entire month of March is NNM, which is sponsored by the American Dietetic Association. Take this opportunity to think about your own nutrition and the habits of those around you. To improve, try these ideas:
1. Eat the rainbow. Remember ROY G. BIV? Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Indigo and Violet should be the colors on your plate.
2. Check out the recently release 2010 Dietary Guidelines. Themes include reducing sodium, fat and sugars and replacing them with plant-based, nutrient-rich foods. Americans also need more potassium, fiber, calcium and vitamin D.
3. Start kids on the right path by feeding them appropriate portions (1-2 T. is a serving for toddlers), limiting juice, and offering fruits and veggies as snacks. When my kids were young, they loved frozen peas. Maybe it’s because their mom is a dietitian, but most children model their parents eating habits. Set a good example.
4. Spring is almost here! Be active in any way you choose. Doesn’t matter what you do, just move more…play basketball, walk, swim, dance, play tag, or ride a bike.
5. If you need more information on how to improve your diet, talk to a registered dietitian (RD). Visit www.eatright.org and click on “Find A Registered Dietitian” to locate someone local.