Put Your Best Fork Forward

By Lauren Dimitrov, RDN, MPH, LDN

It’s time to “Put Your Best Fork Forward” because we’re celebrating National Nutrition Month in March. The 2015 – 2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggests making small changes in your diet to live a healthier lifestyle.

There are many ways you can “put your best fork forward” this month. Here are some tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and the Dietary Guidelines for Americans to get you started:

•         Eat a variety of foods from each food group in your daily diet – including fruits, vegetables, lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs, and nuts. Make an effort to balance your intake from each food group.
•         Portion sizes at restaurants are often much larger than necessary. Practice cooking more at home with healthier ingredients such as whole wheat.
•         Reduce your intake of saturated fats, trans fats, sodium, and sugar by reducing sugary and sweet foods.
•         Eat and drink the right amount for your body as encouraged by MyPlate. We each require different intakes based on our activity level, body size, age, and a number of other factors. Make sure you know where you stand.
•         Participate in physical activities that you enjoy – such as bike riding or dancing – four to five times a week.
•         Consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) to help manage your weight and lower potential health risks. You can schedule an appointment with me by calling 904.493.3333.

While everyone’s diet may be different, everyone could benefit from filling their fork with tasty, nutrient-rich foods. Eating healthy doesn’t have to be complicated. Remember these tips and you can make small – but meaningful – changes to your health.