by Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member
March is National Nutrition Month! MiCAFE, a program of Elder Law of Michigan, Inc., will be celebrating this important month by raising awareness of the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This post is the first in a series of posts this month highlighting this important initiative.
Adopting a healthy lifestyle and making it second nature to your way of living is what the National Nutrition Month is all about. We encourage people of all ages to focus on a better way of eating that includes good food choices in their every day life and developing new habits for a lifetime of optimal health. You can reduce your risk of serious chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even some kinds of cancer. Fewer calories along with physical activity go hand in hand with a high quality life you want and deserve. Eating right and staying active can make this happen!
Follow these simple guidelines to retain good health:
- At every meal, fill your plate with a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables;
- Make at least half the grains you eat whole grains, such as whole wheat bread and pasta, quinoa, oats, and brown rice. Check the food label – the first ingredient should be whole grain or whole wheat;
- Choose healthy protein sources, such as lean meat and poultry, seafood, beans, peas, eggs, nuts, and seeds;
- Always eat low-fat dairy foods; and,
- Limit foods with added fats, sugars, and salt.
For physical activity, adults should get at least 30 minutes and children should get 60 minutes of moderate physical activity daily. Begin calling these activities your “hobby” to make it fun for all. For more great information, take a look at www.eatright.org/NNM.
Be happy – stay healthy!