March is National Nutrition Month, and what better way to celebrate than by making small changes that can have a big impact on your health? Here’s  a few tips to help you achieve a healthier lifestyle.

Fruits and vegetables are packed with vitamins and minerals that our bodies need. By filling half of your plate with fruits and vegetables, you're not only increasing your nutrient intake, but you're also reducing the amount of high-calorie and high-fat foods you consume. Try incorporating a serving of fruit or vegetables to your meals, mix it up with different options, keep fruits and vegetables on hand for a snack, and add them to dishes you already enjoy. Adding color to your variety increases excitement to each meal in addition to keeping it exciting!

Sometimes our eyes are bigger than our stomach’s, learning to listen to our bodies is a partnership of being healthy. We dont always have to follow the rules, however knowing our limits is part of portion control during our daily lives.  It is essential to maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the risk of health issues. Use serving sizes as a guide to measure your portions. For example, one medium-sized fruit or 1/2 cup of chopped fruit is one serving of fruit, one cup of raw or cooked vegetables or 2 cups of raw leafy greens is one serving of vegetables, and one slice of bread, 1/2 cup of cooked rice or pasta, or 1 ounce of cereal is one serving of grains.

It’s not only about what you eat, and how you eat it. It’s also about how you spend all that energy and what you do to burn it all away! Being physically activite is not only good for our physical health, but also our mental health. You don't have to have a rigorous workout routine to reap the benefits of exercise. Sometimes taking a walk, playing a sport, or taking the stairs instead of the elevator are easy ways to add physical activity to your day. It’s ok to sweat a little bit!

Knowing what’s on your plate is as important as to what’s in your food. Get to know the ingredients in your food. Understanding food labels can help you make healthier choices when grocery shopping. Start with the serving size, check the calories per serving, look at the percent daily value, pay attention to fat, cholesterol, and sodium, and look for fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

In conclusion, making small changes to your diet and lifestyle can have a big impact on your health. This National Nutrition Month, try incorporating these tips into your routine and show your body some love. If your looking for  a personalized treatment plan for your  lifestyle, and need nutritional & mindset coaching to restore your body’s potential try a free session with Aimee Duffy MD and let’s work together for a healthier  you!