Get a taste for nutrition

Jill K. Fulk, R.D., L.D.
Registered and Licensed Dietitian

Get a taste for nutrition!. The theme reinforces the importance of nutrition and physical activity for a healthy lifestyle. Though March is set aside as National Nutrition Month, healthy habits should be carried out the entire year to maintain good health. The key messages include:

Be adventurous and expand your horizons
Ever get tired of eating the same thing over and over? If so, try new foods based on their flavor, texture and color. It will prevent boredom from your everyday eating habits. Make it a goal to try one new food each week, or to buy one new food each time you go to the grocery store. Remember, taste buds change over time. Certain foods you disliked as a child may taste good now. You never know until you try!

Treat your taste buds
You can eat all foods in moderation. Sometimes avoiding foods can make you feel deprived. Foods should not be categorized as "good" or "bad." Balancing your food choices is the key. It's what you eat over several days rather than just one meal that counts.

Maintain a healthy weight
A healthy weight can make you feel good, be more productive and lower your risk for health problems. If you don't know what a healthy weight is, go to the Body Mass Index calculator at www.nhlbisupport.com/bmi/bmicalc.htm.

Balance food choices with your lifestyle
Including a variety of foods will help you get adequate vitamins and minerals to achieve optimal health. Balance what you eat with physical activity to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to feel your best.

Be active
Think of new ways to increase physical activity. Walking on a treadmill is not the only way to get exercise. Reflect on your entire day and find opportunities to move more and sit less. Take a walk through your building at work during a break - if it's only five minutes, that's better than nothing! Try something new like yoga or water aerobics, or think of activities you did in the past that you truly enjoyed. It's just another way you can avoid boredom.

Remember: Keep a positive attitude and don't get overwhelmed. Even small changes in your lifestyle can lead to big improvements in your health.