By Caroline West Passerrello, MS, RDN, LDN<\/p>\n
What does go further with food mean to you?\u00a0\u00a0 Your answer will depend on your food and nutrition goals, where you are headed and where you\u2019ve been.\u00a0 I\u2019ve included a few of the more common \u2018places\u2019 people are looking to go with food and some tips to arrive there as efficiently as possible.<\/p>\n
Destination<\/strong>: Tackle your busy day with energy to spare<\/p>\n Why is this important<\/strong>?\u00a0 Wouldn\u2019t it be great if everyday work and responsibilities didn\u2019t always feel like they left us physically drained – or if you had some energy in the evening to play with your kids or go for a walk?<\/p>\n Possible Solutions<\/strong>:\u00a0 Include a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis throughout the day.\u00a0 Be mindful of portion sizes.\u00a0 Eat and drink the amount that\u2019s right for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do.\u00a0 Stay adequately hydrated.<\/p>\n Destination<\/strong>: Walk, run or jog a little further than you did yesterday<\/p>\n Why is this important<\/strong>? Finding activities that you enjoy while being physically active most days of the week is essential for overall health.\u00a0 Varying your physical activity routine in terms of Frequency, Intensity, Time and even Type will keep you on your toes and your metabolism running as effectively as possible.<\/p>\n Possible Solutions:<\/strong>\u00a0 Look at your meal and snack timing in relation to your physical activity \u2013 are you setting yourself up for success by fueling appropriately before and replenishing after?\u00a0 How about the types of foods you are eating – include a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis throughout the day.<\/p>\n Destination<\/strong>:\u00a0 Make your food last another meal or day<\/p>\n Why is this important?<\/strong>\u00a0 This can save you time, money and reduce food waste.<\/p>\n Possible Solutions<\/strong>:\u00a0 Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store.\u00a0 Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week.\u00a0 Prepare several meals on the weekends that can easily be reheated to provide balanced meals throughout the week.\u00a0 Don\u2019t eat the entire oversize meal at a restaurant.\u00a0 Take half home and use if for another meal.<\/p>\n Destination<\/strong>: Arrive at an understanding of the various nutrition messages in the media<\/p>\n Why is this important?<\/strong>\u00a0 Being able to cut through the clutter and focus on the messages that are science-based and relevant to you is key.<\/p>\n Possible Solutions<\/strong>: Learn to identity \u2018fad diets\u2019 and ask questions to understand their basis.\u00a0 Know your resources when it comes to evidenced-based food and nutrition advice.\u00a0 Follow social media accounts that support your food and nutrition goals and make you feel empowered to meet them.\u00a0\u00a0 Realize the benefits of healthy eating by consulting with a registered dietitian nutritionist. RDNs can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.<\/p>\n National Nutrition Month\u00ae\u00a0is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and celebrated annually in March.\u00a0The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.\u00a0In addition, National Nutrition Month\u00ae\u00a0promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based food and nutrition information.\u00a0 This year’s theme is “Go Further with Food,” a reminder to eat healthfully for ongoing energy and plan meals and snacks in advance to help reduce food loss and waste.<\/p>\n As part of National Nutrition Month, the Academy’s\u00a0website<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0includes articles, recipes, videos and educational resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. Consumers can also follow National Nutrition Month on the Academy\u2019s social media channels including\u00a0Facebook<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0and\u00a0Twitter<\/strong><\/a> using #NationalNutritionMonth.<\/p>\n