Fill Up on Healthy Eating Habits

March is National Nutrition Month! Registered dietitian, Caitlyn Pitre at Shady Grove Medical Center, shares these ways to incorporate healthier eating into your routine.

Here are some ways to eat healthier day-to-day:

Eat a variety of nutritious foods: Include healthy foods from all food groups; remember to “eat the rainbow,” or include foods of different colors in your diet. Make fruits and vegetables one half of your plate each meal. This adds color, flavor and texture plus vitamins, minerals and dietary fiber. Make 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of vegetables your daily goal!

Plan your meals and snacks: Choose healthful recipes to make during the week. Cut vegetables and leave them in the fridge for quick, ready-to eat additions to dinner. Homecooked meals are often cleaner with less sodium, saturated fat and added sugar, and more vitamins, minerals and fiber.

Make sure you eat: Don’t skip a meal, especially on days when you are physically active. Even on days when you’re not, your body uses a lot of energy for breathing, organ function and activities of daily living.

Get physical: Incorporate at least 30 minutes of physical activity into each day to build endurance, strength, balance and flexibility.

See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN): If you aren’t sure where to begin, ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN, who can provide personalized nutrition information to help you meet your health goals.