March Is National Nutrition Month

The key to a healthy diet and the theme for this year is “Improving Your Nutrition from the Ground Up.”

The following are tips to improve your nutrition from the ground up:

1. Focus on fruits and veggies

Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks.

2. Look locally

From farmers markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area.

3. Make calories count

Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and focus only on those on the ‘good foods’ list. When you’re choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need.

4. Test your taste buds

A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites.

5. Trick yourself with treats

A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation, if you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.