You have probably heard of National Nutrition Month but didn’t realize who was behind it. In 1973, the American Dietetic Association (now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics) initiated the first National Nutrition Week. It has since graduated to the entire month of March.
Here’s how the Academy describes it: “The campaign . . . focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.”
With National Nutrition Month around the corner, I recently asked registered dietitians and DTRs (Dietetic Technician, Registered) for their easy quick tips and here’s what they had to say:
- “Planning meals ahead is fun and sets you up for success. Get the whole family involved.”
- “Find inspiration by following Eatingwell on Instagram for lots of healthy interesting recipes.”
- “Make extra food at meal times and freeze portions for a busy day.”
- “Set your own weekly challenges for walking or exercise. Compete with a friend for more fun.”
- “Slow down when eating; you will find that you eat less and enjoy your food more.”
- “Finish every day with the same cue, like a relaxing cup of tea, to signal the end of eating for the day.”
- “Fasting for 12 hours at night has been found to be helpful in managing weight and improving morning blood glucose levels. For example, try not eating between the hours of 7 pm to 7 am.”
- “The trendiest weight loss diet may not be for you. Consult a registered dietitian for the one that best fits your lifestyle and supports your health.”
- “Aim for 7-8 hours of sleep a day. Without enough sleep, it is very difficult to lose weight. Your body senses you are stressed.”
- “Add antioxidant-rich fresh salsa to grilled chicken, fish, shrimp cocktail, eggs or salads for low-calorie flavor.”
- “Substitute lime for lemon in recipes. They are usually much less expensive.”
- “Make infused water with cucumber and melon for a new flavor.”
Join the UConn Dietetic Interns and Hartford Hospital chef March 7 and March 8 in the Hartford Hospital cafeteria for a “Find your Flavor” food demonstration. The event runs from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m., with the food demonstration starting at 1 p.m. Come find some new ideas to add flavors to food without adding extra fat and sugar. Take home recipes and try some samples.
Want even more information and personalized advice? Make an appointment with a registered dietitian. Call us at Hartford Hospital (860.972.2604) and we can tell you how. For information on nutritional support at Hartford HealthCare, click here.
Follow #NationalNutritionMonth on Twitter or visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’s site (click here), where you will find lots of interesting topics like Sushi Basics, Slow Cooker Tips for Busy Week Nights and 30 Minute Workouts for Any Schedule.