SNACK TIME eat right, your way, every day

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March as the time to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing good eating and physical activity habits. This year's theme, "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day”, is intended to encourage personalized healthy eating styles.

What does “eating right” mean to you?

Does it mean eating breakfast even though you’re in a hurry? Does it mean eating a healthy school lunch, or maybe eating a few more vegetables at dinnertime? Or less dessert?

Think about what eating right means to you and identify at least one way you can improve on your eating habits.

Eat Right, Your Way.

Eating “your way” might mean including foods particularly familiar to you such as the foods you grew up with or that are passed along through family tradition. Not everyone might enjoy tofu or sushi or turkey! We are unique individuals with different tastes and varied likes and dislikes.

Lifestyle choices, cultural and ethnic traditions impact our food choices. Eating your way includes embracing foods that are unique to you. Think about a food that is unique to you or your family. Accept and embrace that uniqueness!

Eat right, Your Way, Every Day.

How do you eat right, your way, "every day"?

First, realize that it’s not one food or one meal that makes or breaks a balanced diet. Its about learning how to eat a variety of foods including the ones you love, in moderation, to create an overall healthful eating plan tailored to your lifestyle, traditions, and health needs. Being aware of what you eat is the first step towards making a change.

Celebrate National Nutrition Month with your personal choice and make it a great plate.

For more information about National Nutrition Month and ideas, check the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at http://www.eatright.org/nnm/

Contributed by Leslie K. Kay-Getzinger, MS, RD, Regional Dietitian for Nutrition Management Services