March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign that is sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that is dedicated to communicating the importance of healthy eating and physical activity.  This year’s theme is “Biting into a healthy lifestyle”.  In honor of National Nutrition month, below are five simple tips that can improve your health significantly.

  1. Follow the plate method.  Half of your plate should consist of fruits and non-starchy vegetables, one fourth should be lean protein, and the other fourth should be your starch.  This ensures a balanced diet with plenty of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
  2. Live the 80/20 rule.  Who can be perfect ALL the time?  We all fall of the band wagon at some point.  Strive to eat healthy and stay on track 80% of the time.  The other 20% you can give yourself some wiggle room to eat your favorite foods.
  3. Be active every day. This doesn’t mean you have to go to the gym or train for a marathon.  Just try to move more. Park further away at the store or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
  4. Aim for 5-9 servings of fruits and veggies daily. Visit http://www.fruitsandveggiesmorematters.org/experts-recommend-5-9-servings-of-fruits-and-veggies-daily for more information on the benefits of fruits and vegetables and some healthy recipe ideas.
  5. Drink plenty of water.  Staying hydrated keeps your skin hydrated, cleanses toxins, and boosts brain power.

A well-balanced diet combined with daily physical activity can decrease your risk of chronic disease such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and arthritis. For more information on healthy eating and physical activity guidelines along with helpful tips and resources, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org/nnm.  Happy National Nutrition month!