March is National Nutrition Month, inviting you to take a close look at your daily menu. Many people think they’re too busy to make healthy eating a priority, but that mindset can be changed. Whether you want to trim extra pounds, boost your energy, reduce your risk of serious health problems, or simply set a great example for your kids, eating well is too important to neglect. And you can do it on any budget! These tips can help:
Prioritize your protein
Protein is a vital macronutrient, which your body needs to build and repair tissue on a daily basis, as well as to produce enzymes, hormones, and antibodies to fight disease. Many experts recommend that we consume over half our body weight in total ounces of protein per day─ideally from low-fat, healthy sources. A morning whey protein shake with 40 grams of high quality, lean, complete protein is a great start. Fill out the remainder with eggs, lean meats and poultry, seafood, beans and legumes, nuts, low-fat dairy products, etc. Minimize fatty, processed, and fast food meats as much as possible.
Source local and/or organic produce
Many people dislike veggies because they’re used to conventional supermarket versions that lack the flavor and nutrients of farm fresh items. It’s a lot easier to consume a daily rainbow when you treat yourself to beautifully fresh, local produce in season, whether it’s organic or not. Local, seasonal eating is not only healthier, it also saves you money, encourages you to try new foods, supports your community, and is more planet-friendly too. Visit a nearby farmers market, health food store, or coop if you don’t yet have a “go-to,” and see what a difference it makes.
Get the “Green Edge”
In addition to eating more fresh, seasonal, local produce, you can dramatically expand your intake of essential nutrients, phytochemicals, antioxidants and other benefits of green superfoods by incorporating high-quality green foods powder into your morning whey protein shake Why not capitalize on the benefits of 5 veggie servings in a single small scoop each day?
Get serious about deleting refined carbs
While we often hear about the importance of whole grains, most Americans still rely on processed, refined breads, rolls, muffins, snack items, and other commercial baked goods─as evidenced by grocery store shelves packed with these items. However, you can break this cycle with your own family, and in so doing, significantly improve overall wellness. The solution is simple: when you eat carbs, make them whole foods. Buying organic oats, brown and wild rice, quinoa, and other whole grains in bulk will boost health and save money, and they’re well worth the time it takes to prepare them. These tactics can help you “shape up your plate” and your daily wellness, improve the quality of your life, and benefit the planet too. Happy eating!