Each March is deemed National Nutrition Month by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, a time to focus on health and nutrition. I always take this opportunity to encourage folks to bring back the basics of healthy eating and 1-2 habits they can realistically sustain.
I can definitely understand that it can be difficult to find the time and energy to prepare healthy meals for the family – but healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. There are some basic cooking and eating habits that can have a substantial and lasting positive impact on your health.
Boiled eggs, toast with peanut butter, low-sugar yogurt, overnight oatmeal, fruit and veggie smoothies.
Add greens to a smoothie, eggs, pasta, rice, meat pies, soups and stews; a salad kit can be a quick lunch or addition to dinner.
Here are some nutrition tips to help us put our best fork forward this month:
- 1.Start the day with a healthy breakfast. Skipping this meal can cause your body to use or burn calories very slowly if it thinks you’re starving yourself. Some quick and healthy breakfast options include:
- Boiled eggs, toast with peanut butter, low-sugar yogurt, overnight oatmeal, fruit and veggie smoothies. These are great options for busy weekday mornings when you are rushing out or hustling to get the kids dressed.
- 2.Jot down a menu to plan your family’s meals for the week.
- This doesn’t need to be fancy, and will help guide your time management in the kitchen. You can save time by preparing large batches of some items and portioning them for the week.
- 3.Go green! Get creative with adding finely chopped spinach or kale (or leaves, as my husband calls them) into your dishes.
- Add greens to a smoothie, eggs, pasta, rice, meat pies, soups and stews; a salad kit can be a quick lunch or addition to dinner.
Put your best fork forward and let’s take charge of our health! Make it a family affair and encourage your friends and family to bring back the basics to find their healthy eating style!
Which of the strategies are you committed to try?
Written by: Franciel Ikeji MS, RD, LD March 2022
