It's March, which means it is National Nutrition Month. So what does this have to do with you? Although it's easy to consider eating a mundane day-to-day task, it's worth it to take some time to really think about what you put into your body. Proper nutrition can improve your health and well-being, and healthy habits cultivated now will benefit you as you age.
Developing a daily routine that includes a healthy breakfast is a simple way to improve your intake. Breakfast is important because it allows you to break the fast that your body has been experiencing, as it has likely been eight or more hours since your last meal. What you eat should be substantial enough to provide energy to last the morning and should include protein, whole grains and fruits or vegetables. Breakfast does not have to consist of the typical fare - go ahead and get creative! Studies have shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast are less likely to be overweight and are more likely to make smart choices throughout the rest of the day. In addition, fueling your body each morning will improve your ability to concentrate and could help to improve your grades.
Another tip is to get to know a registered dietitian. They are the foremost experts on nutrition and can be an indispensible resource for all your specific needs. If you are into exercise and sports, contact a registered dietitian to develop a meal plan that will maximize your efforts. Same goes if you need to gain or lose weight, or are simply interested in optimizing your intake. Of course it can be tempting to take all your nutrition advice straight from the Internet. Why not? It's quick, it's easy, it's free. Well, it can also be very easy to find a lot of misinformation. If you do choose to use the Internet, try this Web site from the American Dietetic Association www.eatright.org. This is a great site to bookmark, as it is reputable and features a daily tip, a daily question, pages of information and even a tool to help you find an area registered dietitian.
This month, set a goal to become more interested in your well-being. Taking a few extra moments each day to consider your food choices and how they affect your body will benefit you in multiple ways. It's your body and ultimately you make the final decision between healthy and unhealthy choices. Get acquainted with the nutrition facts labelled on foods and learn exactly what it is that your individual body requires each day to maintain health.
Our university has a dietetics program that prepares students for careers as future dietitians. Many of its students are members of the Food and Nutrition Club and, in honor of National Nutrition Month, the club will have a table set up in the Centennial Student Union March 23. Stop by from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. to ask questions, get tips for healthy eating, and pick up a free goodie.
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