MARCH IS NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH!

The National Nutrition Month message for 2009 is “Eat Right!”  Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age.  Help yourself to be your best by making healthy food choices and being physically active every day. 
 
Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated.  Start with these recommendations:

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       MAKE YOUR CALORIES COUNT.  Think nutrient rich rather than “good” or “bad” foods.  The majority of your food choices should be packed with vitamin, minerals, fiber and other nutrients- and lower in calories.  Making smart food choices can help you stay healthy, manage your weight and be physically active.

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       FOCUS ON VARIETY.  Eat a variety of foods from all the food groups to get the nutrients your body needs.  Fruits and vegetables can be fresh, frozen or canned.  Include more dark green vegetables such as leafy greens and broccoli and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes.  Vary your protein choices with more fish, beans and peas.  And, eat at least 3 ounces of whole grain cereals, breads, crackers, rice or pasta every day.

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       KNOW YOUR FATS.  Look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol to help reduce the risk of heart disease.  Most of the fats you eat should be monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats.  Check the Nutrition Facts panel on food labels for total fat and saturated fat.

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       PHYSICAL ACTIVITY FOR FITNESS AND HEALTH.  Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness.  Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day.  You can break up your physical activity into 10 minute sessions throughout the day.  If you are currently inactive, start with a few minutes of activity such as walking.  Then gradually increase the minutes as your become stronger.