Fueling Your Body the Right Way

March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to focus on small, sustainable changes that can have a big impact on your health.

What we eat affects everything from our energy levels to long-term disease prevention. Here’s how to make smart nutrition choices:

Nutrition by the Numbers:

• Nearly 90% of Americans don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables.
• Added sugars make up about 17% of daily calories for the average U.S. adult.
• A healthy diet can lower the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers.

Small Changes, Big Impact:

     🥗 Fill Half Your Plate with Color – Load up on fruits and vegetables to boost essential vitamins and fiber. The recommended amount of fruits and vegetables is: 2 cups of fruit a day and 2.5 cups of vegetables a day.
     🥛 Stay Hydrated – Drinking enough water helps digestion, metabolism, and energy levels. The recommended amount of water per day is: approximately 90 oz for women and 125 oz for men.
     🍞 Choose Whole Grains – Swap refined grains for whole grains to support heart health and digestion. Examples of whole grains include: oatmeal, brown rice, quinoa, and whole grain bread.
     ⚖️ Balance, Don’t Restrict – A sustainable diet allows for all foods in moderation—no need for extreme diets!
     📊 Read Labels – Keep an eye on added sugars, sodium, and unhealthy fats in packaged foods.

Need more information? See the links below for information on improving your eating habits and how to read nutrition labels.