Thursday, Mar. 04, 2010

March is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month and it is the perfect time of the year to adopt a healthier lifestyle and build your “Nutrition from the Ground Up!” That’s this year’s theme. Created in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association, National Nutrition Month promotes healthy eating and sound physical activity habits. Wednesday is Registered Dietitian’s Day, added in 2008, highlights the dietitian’s role in your health care and wellness.

Many people don’t realize there’s is a difference between a registered dietitian and a nutritionist. RDs are experts in food and human nutrition who have met several academic and professional requirements. They hold at least a bachelor’s of science degree in dietetics, food science, human nutrition or similar field, have completed an internship and passed a professional exam. However, there are no training or educational requirements for nutritionists.

Dietitians do more than assist overweight individuals with meal plans. They know food safety, medical nutrition therapy and sports nutrition. They’re there to help you eat right — which doesn’t have to be complicated. Following these few guidelines will help make eating healthy even easier:

* Make your calories count — eat foods rich in nutrients rather than food with “empty” calories. Select fruits, vegetables and whole-grain products over candy, sodas, alcohol and many desserts. Making better food choices can help you manage your weight and stay properly fueled for your physical activities.

* Focus on variety — eat from all the food groups. Different colored fruits and vegetables give your body different vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients needed for normal metabolism.

* Know your fats — look for foods low in saturated fats, trans fats (partially hydrogenated oils) and cholesterol to help reduce your risk of heart disease. Choose fat-free dairy products, limit high-fat items like butter and select leaner meats. Also, try baking, broiling, or grilling foods rather than frying. Eating salmon, mackerel or other fish rich in omega 3 fatty acids twice a week may help reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

* Participate in physical activity for fitness and health — set a goal of 30 minutes of cardiovascular activity such as walking, swimming, running and bicycling, most days of the week. If you’re new to exercise, break up the 30 minute session into two 15-minute sessions over the course of the day until you’re able to complete the goal in one session. You may need approval from your doctor before you begin your exercise program.

Following these tips will get you started on the National Nutrition Month celebration. For more information or to schedule an appointment with a MACH dietician, call 706-544-1542.