Fuel for the Future

It’s National Nutrition Month! 

This year’s campaign theme is Fuel for the Future. 

Therefore, this month’s focus will be on how to make dietary and lifestyle choices to live a longer, healthier, fuller life. 

Research has shown that seeking help from an experienced healthcare provider is the best way to create sustainable change that is individualized to you, your health, and your goals.

Simple tips to begin:

Focus more on Mediterranean or vegan whole food plant-based dietary patterns.

Eat more fruits and vegetables (AT LEAST 5 portions a day). 

Eat less saturated fat, simple sugars, and processed foods.

Eat more healthy fats.

Ensure adequate healthy protein consumption.

Focus on whole foods.

Cook with herbs and spices.

Eat with the environment in mind by enjoying more plant-based meals, foods with minimal packaging, and shop locally and seasonally.

Start a home garden.

Learn the right dietary pattern for YOU by working with a trained professional.

Every meal and snack counts. 

Balance your meals.  Plan accordingly to maximize macro and micronutrient needs.

Eat a variety of foods.

Try new foods.

Be aware of portion sizes.

Do not skip meals.

Learn how to read a food label.

Surround yourself with healthy foods at home and work.

Plan ahead for eating out.

Quality is just as important as quantity of food.

Savor and mindfully eat your food.

Eat well to maintain a healthy gut microbiome.

Ditch food shaming and be patient with yourself.

No single food is going to help you live longer, be healthier, or lose weight.  It’s more about having a complete, healthy diet.

Don’t crash diet.

Meditate.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Spend time in nature.

Spend time with family.

Get 7-8 hours of quality sleep every night.

Have a weekly day of rest.

Find ways to decrease stress.

Practice good oral hygiene.

Stay hydrated.

Incorporate physical activity into every day. 

If stationary during the day, take a 5-minute light walk every 30 minutes.

Engage in lifelong learning and learn new activities.

Lean on professionals to help get you started.