Learn more about eating with sustainability in mind and the importance of eating healthy in this guest blog post from Mosaic’s dietetic intern Hannah Downing. Celebrate National Nutrition Month throughout March!
Healthy eating is recommended for all stages of life. In fact, there’s never a wrong time to start eating well! Meeting with a Nutritionist is a great way to support your individual health goals and build long-lasting habits. Participate in National Nutrition Month by taking a moment to think about how your diet and lifestyle today will fuel your future. What are you doing right now to live a more healthful life? If you’re feeling stumped, we wanted to share some beginner tips to begin your sustainable health journey.
Save Money and Stay Nourished
- Convenience costs money. Packaged foods that come together quick cost more than buying whole foods. A good first step is to cook more and eat out less. By eating at home, you can control your portion sizes and control your costs. Stock up on cheap, nutritious foods like beans, potatoes, eggs, peanut butter, canned tuna, whole wheat pasta, oats, and frozen/canned fruits and vegetables.
- Plan ahead and make a list before shopping. Stick to a few simple recipes and shop for what you need. It doesn’t have to be complicated or gourmet. Make sure to purchase some foods for healthy snack options, and don’t forget to check for coupons!
- Consider cooking in larger batches. Try doubling your recipes and plan to save leftovers for meals later in the week. Purchasing ingredients in bulk is another good way to cut back on food spending!
Tip: Try more meatless meals. Plant-based protein sources, like beans, peas, and lentils are cheaper than animal protein. They last a long time in your pantry and are easy to cook. Pair your favorite legume with rice, some vegetables, and your favorite sauce for a fast, nutritious meal. One cup of chickpeas provides roughly 11 grams of protein and 10 grams of fiber!
If you need some meal ideas, check out these great websites for some inspiration:
Practice Gratitude for Your Body
Take a moment now to be thankful for your body. There’s so much to appreciate and feel grateful for! After all, it let you wake up this morning. Maybe it walked your kids to bus stop. Maybe it even told you that it was hungry for some breakfast this morning. It’s about time we give our bodies some love for all the hard work it does without us knowing it. So, how can you treat your body with kindness?
1. Give it plenty of water to stay hydrated. Limit your number of drinks that have added sugars, like sodas, juices, and sports drinks.
2. Eating regular meals and snacks will give your body energy. Don’t forget to start your day with breakfast!
3. Enjoy a variety of fruits and vegetables to make sure your body gets all the nutrients it needs to function at its best. Explore new foods, flavors, and cultures.
4. Get adequate rest. Aim to get 6-8 hours of sleep every night. If you’re feeling stressed, check in with your mental health. When was the last time you set aside time just for you?
Tip: Regular physical activity is a great way to manage stress. Did you know that exercise can help? Start by doing what you can. Find twenty minutes of your day to get outside and enjoy a brisk walk. Check out your Parks and Recreation Department’s website for a community fitness classes near you! Find something that you enjoy doing and make it a normal part of your lifestyle.
The way we treat our bodies today will affect how they feel tomorrow, or even the day after! Building healthy habits is key to long-term, positive change. Taking the first step towards taking care of your health can be overwhelming. You may not know where to start. The dietitians at Mosaic are here to help. Together, you’ll set personalized goals. You’ll decide what steps to take to move in the right direction – and how to keep moving in the right direction. Follow the link below to find a nutrition expert that specializes in your unique needs. Let’s fuel your future. Let’s get started!
Connect with a Mosaic Nutrition Expert: Learn more HERE
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