“During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.”
With endless information coming from the internet, social media or different magazines, this can expose you to a lot of information that can be misleading about nutrition and health. Luckily, dietitians are the most reliable sources of information. They have a science degree in nutrition and they are regulated by a professional body that protects the public from receiving incorrect advice. The month of March has been set to invite everyone to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits.
Healthy eating is about maintaining a balanced diet with diverse foods and nutrients for improved health and well-being. Around the same time as being conscious of what you consume, balanced eating is about enjoying your meal. In the UK we highlight the Eatwell Guide when advising the public. The guide shows the ideal proportion of each of the different food groups to include in your diet to help you be and stay healthy. Balance is the keyword here, for instance, high consumption of fruit and vegetables is recommended whereas processed foods high in sugar and salt are to be limited. You can enjoy a variety of foods but always keep in mind that “frequency” and “quantity” is vital to following an overall healthy eating pattern.
Additionally, cultures and food traditions shape what we eat, and you should make food choices based on your preferences and choose ingredients that complement your beliefs and health needs. Food should be nourishing to protect ourselves from diseases. Hydration and adequate nutrition must be prioritized, while education and awareness should be made for patients who have nutritional challenges. Consultation with a Registered Dietitian (RD) can help you understand how to meet your personal nutritional goals. You will be getting personalized advice on the benefits of food and nutrition to improve physical and mental wellness.
Finally, Physical activity is an integral part that helps one shift to essential healthy changes. This must be taken into account to enable people to meet their health targets. Prioritizing physical activity will significantly reduce your risk of obesity and health complications associated with a sedentary lifestyle. It is crucial to aim to practice a physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. You will be surprised at how much of an impact small changes can have over a long period of time.
Here is a challenge for you to try over the next month:
- Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day:
- plan healthy meals each week,
- use a grocery list to shop for healthy ingredients,
- plan healthy snacks for work
- keep healthy ingredients on hand
- Cook with fresh ingredients and try new flavours and taste
- Share meals together as a family when possible
- Do 30 minutes of physical activity every day!
If you still need some help with receiving personalized nutrition advice, contact one of our dietitian specialists to help you reach your goals for good!
By Anastasia Gkegka, Registered dietitian
