During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to "Put Your Best Fork Forward" by making small, healthy shifts in food choices when cooking at home. "Put Your Best Fork Forward" is the theme for NNM 2017 which serves as a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month® and over time, helps improve health now and into the future. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Visit Eat Right to learn more about National Nutrition Month.
Lehane Chiropractic is here to support your goals to achieve a healthy lifestyle with these nutrition tips.
Tip #1 - Focus on Whole Foods
Whole foods are simply foods in their most natural, unprocessed state. Processing takes away vitamins, minerals and antioxidants while adding things like fat, salt and sugar. Fill your plate with whole foods like fresh fruits and vegetables, whole oats, brown rice, quinoa and lean meats. Not only will they taste better, your body will be able to efficiently absorb the nutrients.
Tip #2 - Limit Salt & Sugar Intake
A diet heavy in salt and sugar can increase the risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, kidney disease and even cancer. Cut out sugar by substituting local honey or eating fresh fruit to satisfy a craving. Opt for herbs and other seasonings rather than salt.
Tip #3 - Don't Skip Breakfast
Eating breakfast breaks the fasting state of the overnight hours and jump starts your metabolism. This encourages your body to burn calories and helps prevent weight gain. Eating breakfast also wakes you up by stabilizing your blood sugar level, increasing attention span and improving cognitive ability. Make the most of the morning meal with a combination of protein, whole grains, fresh fruit and calcium-rich foods.
Tip #4 - Drink Plenty of Water
Staying hydrated helps to maintain a normal body temperature, lubricates joints and protects the spinal cord. Even more importantly, water flushes toxins out of the body and transports nutrients to cells. The amount of water you need to drink every day depends on your lifestyle and health, but 8 cups for women and 12 cups for men is a good estimate. Keep a water bottle with you and sip slowly throughout the day, to make sure you are getting the amount your body needs.
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