The month of March is dedicated to National Nutrition Month, a time when the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics puts a spotlight on the importance of eating healthy and maintaining a balanced diet. Even though it's important to follow these principles year-round, it's easy to let them slip when you're busy and preoccupied. To get your nutrition on track this season, check out these healthy eating tips.
Increase Your Whole Foods Intake
You can never eat too many raw, whole food vegetables. Buy fresh, organic produce instead of canned and ready-made items, and look for whole-wheat alternatives to your pasta and bread. Eating whole foods leads to better health benefits.
Plan Ahead
Take some time on the weekend to brainstorm meals that can easily fit into your evenings every night of the week. Doing a little meal prep (cutting up vegetables, boiling rice, etc.) one day a week can make your weekday nutrition a snap so that you won't be tempted to pick up fast food on the way home from work.
Add Color
Don't be scared to fill up on vegetables. Dark leafy greens, spinach, kale, and lettuce all have huge health benefits and will fill you up. Aim to have a variation of color on your plate, such as green for vegetables, brown for tofu, and white for rice.
Choose Healthier Protein
Switch out red meat for plant-based protein sources. Tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, and beans (to name a few) are better for your health, they are also better for the planet, environment, and animals. The more beans and nuts, the merrier!
Ditch Dairy
Dairy has been known to cause osteoporosis, acne, cardiovascular disease, breast cancer, prostate cancer, and much more. Switch to plant-based alternatives that are better for your health and heart.
Satisfy Cravings Naturally
Is your sweet tooth getting a late night craving? Eat fruit! It'll satisfy your need for something sweet by proving you with a dose of natural sugar. Snacking on fruit will also mean that you don't pile on the calories before going to bed.
To find out more ways to improve your heart health as well as your diet, check out these tips. The professionals at Jack Stone Insurance Agency wish you a successful American Heart Month with improvements to your lifestyle! For all of your insurance needs in Antioch, Brentwood, and neighboring cities in California, visit our expert team today!
