Top 5 Tips to Incorporate Better Eating Habits

March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM) and it is an annual nutrition education campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign invites the community to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Food Connects Us” and supports the philosophy that health, traditions, seasons, and access to food can impact the relationship we have to food. Food also connects us to our cultures, friends, and families. There are many factors that influence the foods we eat and as a result affects our health.

There are variety of ways to connect with food such as by exploring where the food you eat comes from. I personally enjoy visiting the local farmers market because I get to learn about how the food I eat was grown and/or raised. Bringing the delicious food home to prepare, cook, and nourish my body to align with my health goals is the cherry on top.

Exploring the connection between food and culture is another way to connect with food. Trying new global flavors keeps the relationship with food exciting. Some ingredients are commonly used among various cuisines, however the way the food is prepared or the seasoning used may be different. What comes to mind is the Mediterranean diet as it continues to be a very popular healthy eating pattern that is commonly consumed in countries that border the Mediterranean Sea. However, each country may have variations in flavors and spices used in cooking very similar foods.

Building the connection with food throughout all stages of life is important to sustain good health. Connecting food throughout each stage of life by providing nutrients we need from birth to advanced age sets you up for success with your health. For example, consuming adequate calcium from a young age helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis, or weak bones, as we age. Also, while protein is often the focus for athletes in training, older adults should also pay extra attention to this nutrient as loss of muscle mass becomes a concern as we age.

Come join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) community in celebrating National Nutrition Month.

I would like to share my top 5 practical tips to incorporate better eating habits while connecting with food.

1. Practice mindful eating. Limit your screen time at mealtimes, including all electronic devices.
2. Plan to eat more meals together with your friends, family, and communities. It fosters social connection that contributes to mental and emotional well-being.
3. Commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National Nutrition Month. Variety will provide a mix of nutrients the body needs in order to function at your best.
4. Bring out flavors of food by trying new herbs and spices used by various cultures. You will also reap the health benefits.
5. Listen to your body. Practice intuitive eating than restrictive eating. For example, eat when your hungry and stop when your full.

We are never too young or too old to follow healthy eating habits. Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are the food and nutrition experts who help you thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition. RDNs provide preventive and medical nutrition therapy (MNT) and therefore are skilled at helping people adopt a healthy eating pattern that is mindful of personal food and cultural preferences.

Happy National Nutrition Month.