By Caroline West Passerrello, MS, RDN, LDN
What does go further with food mean to you? Your answer will depend on your food and nutrition goals, where you are headed and where you’ve been. I’ve included a few of the more common ‘places’ people are looking to go with food and some tips to arrive there as efficiently as possible.
Destination: Tackle your busy day with energy to spare
Why is this important? Wouldn’t it be great if everyday work and responsibilities didn’t 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?
Possible Solutions: Include a variety of healthy foods from all of the food groups on a regular basis throughout the day. Be mindful of portion sizes. Eat and drink the amount that’s right for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do. Stay adequately hydrated.
Destination: Walk, run or jog a little further than you did yesterday
Why is this important? Finding activities that you enjoy while being physically active most days of the week is essential for overall health. 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.
Possible Solutions: Look at your meal and snack timing in relation to your physical activity – are you setting yourself up for success by fueling appropriately before and replenishing after? 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.
Destination: Make your food last another meal or day
Why is this important? This can save you time, money and reduce food waste.
Possible Solutions: Consider the foods you have on hand before buying more at the store. Buy only the amount that can be eaten or frozen within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week. Prepare several meals on the weekends that can easily be reheated to provide balanced meals throughout the week. Don’t eat the entire oversize meal at a restaurant. Take half home and use if for another meal.
Destination: Arrive at an understanding of the various nutrition messages in the media
Why is this important? Being able to cut through the clutter and focus on the messages that are science-based and relevant to you is key.
Possible Solutions: Learn to identity ‘fad diets’ and ask questions to understand their basis. Know your resources when it comes to evidenced-based food and nutrition advice. Follow social media accounts that support your food and nutrition goals and make you feel empowered to meet them. 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.
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and celebrated annually in March. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. In addition, National Nutrition Month® promotes 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. 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.
As part of National Nutrition Month, the Academy’s website includes 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’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth.
Caroline West Passerrello, MS, RDN, LDN is a Spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
