March is National Nutrition Month

This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Discover the Power of Nutrition” with an emphasis on incorporating more nutrient-dense foods into your diet!

There’s no doubt that food and beverage choices play a prominent part in your overall health. They can even help prevent chronic diseases. Nutrient-dense foods have low amounts of saturated fat, added sugars, and/or sodium. Nutrient density is simply the amount of nutrients you compared to the calories consumed.

Some Tips to Start:

1. Switch Carbs: Instead of white bread, rice, and pasta, go for whole-grain pasta, whole-wheat bread, and brown rice.

2. Reduced Fats: Instead of a dollop of full-fat sour cream on your chili or baked potato, try fat-free or even low-fat plain Greek yogurt.

3. Mix in Greens: When adding toppings to pizza, stuffing tacos, or piling up sandwiches, add an additional veggie instead of just more meat or cheese.

   
   

What about snacks?

• Crunch on Veggies: Snack on crunchy vegetables with a yogurt-based dip.

• Nuts Over Chips: Eat a handful of unsalted nuts instead of chips.

• Fruit to Sweeten: Satisfy a sweet tooth with naturally sweet fruit or smoothie.

• Less Sugary Drinks: Replace sugary drinks with fruit infused water