Just when many of us have begun backsliding on our New Year’s resolution of eating healthier, March’s National Nutrition Month serves as an opportunity for us to refuel and refocus on eating right and developing better diets.
This year’s theme is “Put Your Best Forward”, which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Also, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is a great source for tips to get you started on a better and more balanced diet. Below are just a few suggestions:
Other Academy advice includes varying your protein routine and mixing it up with seafood, beans, peas, unsalted nuts and seeds, soy products, eggs, lean meats, and poultry. Another easy fix to healthier eating is to choose vegetable oils instead of butter and oil-based sauces. You can also elect fat-free milk and yogurt to cut back on saturated fat.
If you’re strapped for cash, it might be tempting to go the unhealthy route. But eating right doesn’t have to cost a fortune. You can reduce costs by purchasing foods in bulk and making a large batch by doubling a recipe so that extra portions are saved for lunches and snacks. Shopping for fruits and vegetables that are in season is also a good way to save some money because those foods are typically cheaper, and sometimes canned or frozen produce is less expensive than fresh. Just make sure to look for “low sodium” or “no salt added” on the label.