Here in Texas, March brings the first glimpse of spring with warmer weather, bright splashes of dandelions and the beginning of what is certain to be a fun yet busy few months. When I was growing up, spring was always full of so many events - spring break, school plays, summer vacation planning and graduations. With all of these fun activities going on, it can be challenging to maintain healthy eating habits. That’s why I love that the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates each March with National Nutrition Month.
This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” and encourages Americans to incorporate healthier options into their daily routines. Here are a few tips that I follow in the spring to incorporate healthier food choices into my life:
- Include at least one fruit or veggie at every meal and snack. This is an easy way to make sure you get at least some fruits and vegetables in your diet - whether it's by adding blueberries to your Quaker oatmeal, having an apple with your afternoon snack, or preparing steamed broccoli with chicken for dinner. You can even add fruits to your dessert. I like to eat a small scoop of vanilla ice cream with fresh raspberries after a long day.
- Go for whole grains! As whole grains are becoming more well-known, they have also become more available in grocery stores. Look for whole grain cereal, pasta and bread. One of my favorite whole grain snacks is Tostitos Artisan Recipes Baked Three Cheese Queso tortilla chips paired with fresh salsa. In addition to a sophisticaed flavor experience, the chips contain 8g whole grains per 1-oz. serving!
- Pump up your water by infusing it with fruit! I’ll be the first to admit that it's challenging to drink as much water as I need when life gets busy. However, I’ve found that it is a little bit easier to consume more when my water tastes good! Simply add some of your favorite fruits, such as kiwi, berries, oranges, grapefruit or lemons (or veggies such as cucumbers!) to a pitcher or glass, let the fruit soak for a few minutes to flavor the water, and enjoy!
How are you going to “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” during National Nutrition Month, and throughout the excitement of spring?
- Katherine
to whom it may concern what do yall do with the golden brown Ruffles chip i like the taste of them do yall throw them out wi wish i could get a bag or two of them
Posted by: ronnie | March 10, 2013 at 03:16 PM
LAYS PEOPLE YOU GUYSAND LADIES SHOULD MAKE A GUACAMOLE FLAVORED CHIPS
Posted by: TRE DUNN | March 25, 2013 at 01:17 PM