NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH
Learn More About Making Informed Food Choices and Developing Healthy Eating and Physical Activity Habits
National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” Celebrating flavors from cultures around the world is a tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate our diversity. We are all unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds and tastes!
The YMCA of Great Nashua has jumped on board and will be sharing a variety of healthy recipes throughout the month of March through our social media channels and our website below.
“National Nutrition Month is a time for us to take a step back, evaluate what’s on our plates and focusing on making informed food choices,” says Kim Adie, the YMCA’s Healthy Living Director. “Our goal is to promote accurate nutrition knowledge and encourage healthy living through sound eating habits and physical activity. This is the basis for our successful Prescribe the Y, a youth lifestyle change program. Children between ages 6-13 are referred to the no-cost, 10-week program by their pediatrician. The family receives a 10-week complimentary Y membership to help encourage healthy habits for the whole family while the child is in the program. Upon successful completion of the program, the graduating family is rewarded with a 1-year membership. Families learn wellness strategies for healthy cooking, reading nutrition labels, and incorporating exercise to become the healthiest versions of themselves. Last year, we helped pave the way to a healthier future for 93 youth right here in our community!”
Here are some suggestions to get you started on a healthier path to good nutrition from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
Eat Breakfast
Start your day with a healthy breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Try making a breakfast burrito with scrambled eggs, low-fat cheese, salsa and a whole wheat tortilla or a parfait with low-fat plain yogurt, fruit and whole grain cereal.
Make Half Your Plate Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and veggies add color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber to your plate. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2 ½ cups of vegetables your daily goal. Experiment with different types, including fresh, frozen and canned.
Watch Portion Sizes
Use half your plate for fruits and vegetables and the other half for grains and lean protein foods. Complete the meal with a serving of fat-free or low-fat milk or yogurt. Measuring cups may also help you compare your portions to the recommended serving size.
Be Active
Regular physical activity has many health benefits. Start by doing what exercise you can. Children and teens should get 60 or more minutes of physical activity per day, and adults at least two hours and 30 minutes per week. You don’t have to hit the gym – take a walk after dinner or put on music and dance at home.
Get to Know Food Labels
Reading the Nutrition Facts panel can help you choose foods and drinks to meet your nutrient needs.
Fix Healthy Snacks
Healthy snacks can sustain your energy levels between meals, especially when they include a combination of foods. Choose from two or more of the MyPlate food groups: grains, fruits vegetables, dairy, and protein. Try raw veggies with low-fat cottage cheese or hummus, or a tablespoon of nut or seed butter with an apple or banana.
Healthy Eating Recipes
Below is a selection of favorite recipes provided by the staff of the YMCA of Greater Nashua. We’ll be adding more throughout the months so check back to see what’s new. Take a look, give them a try and let us know what you think. We would love to hear what you think of them or you can submit your own recipes in the form below.
Click on Images to download a PDF of the recipe.
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