March is National Nutrition Month, a great time to focus on eating well to help keep your body strong, your mind sharp, and your energy level up, as you age. In fact, your daily food choices can make an important difference in your health and in how you look and feel. Good nutrition from a balanced diet boosts immunity, fights illness-causing toxins and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Eating a well-planned, balanced mix of foods every day has many health benefits and may reduce the risk of some chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and anemia.
No matter your age or you current eating habits, you can improve your diet without giving up the foods you love. But, with the tremendous amount of information available about what to eat and what not to eat, deciding how to modify your diet can be confusing. Instead of a complete overhaul, make small changes. You’re more likely to be successful if you take things one step at a time. For example:
- Switch to 100% whole wheat or whole grain bread
- Eliminate sugar sweetened drinks from you diet and reach for sparkling water or herb tea
- Switch to fat free or low fat (1%) milk
- Watch your sodium. Remove the salt shaker from your table and add herbs to season foods.
- Make fruit your go-to food for a health snack or dessert
- Reduce your intake of red meat and choose more fish and lean poultry
If it seems overwhelming, remember that every change in life begins with a single step. Taking one small step toward a healthier diet today can help you reap big rewards tomorrow.