Hello, fellow nutrition fans! Guess what? March is National Nutrition Month. WOOHOO! What does that mean? Well simply, it is just a month of increased awareness of what you’re putting into your body. The theme for 2018 is “Go further with Foods”. The focus this year is on food preparation to get more and waste less. By preparing foods in advance you benefit by saving money and food, whilst eating healthier.

Here are some ways you can include Nutrition Month in your everyday life!

1. Create your own menu:

I know this sounds like overkill but trust me, create your own weekly menu. I admit it is a tad time consuming, but it is so worth it. Get a notepad out and write what kind of meals you want to eat throughout the week. If you don’t have a ton of time, start with just breakfasts, or just lunches. Write down what you want to eat for breakfast throughout the week, branch out include something new. Check some healthy eating blogs or magazines to get some recipe ideas. When it’s all done you’ll thank me, you don’t have to worry about what you’re going to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner, it’s all planned out for you. Try and include all the food groups in your meals throughout the day. If you want to get really crazy, you can even get all the recipes printed out and ready for each meal.

2. See what you have:

Step two: go through your cupboards and take an inventory.  Planning ahead is one of the best favors you can do for yourself to help a healthier lifestyle.  Check your fridge and cabinets, and get reacquainted with all the goodies you have living in there. Take a look at your meal plan, and write down the ingredients you’ll need to grab at the store.

3. Buy what you need:

Alright, you have your plan and you’ve taken inventory: The next step is to head to the store, and you’ve already got your grocery list with you to help out.  There’s nothing more tempting that walking around the grocery store hungry, with no list: you’ll come home with no money and feeling guilty about all the cookies you ended up buying. In addition, only buy the amount of foods you need. Often we buy huge amounts of things genuinely thinking we’ll use all of it, but more often than not, we don’t. We’re left with rotting bags of spinach that we never ended up eating. Try grabbing small healthy snack foods or trail mixes that you can eat whenever in between meals or on the go (see the “on the go snack nutrition breakdown” list below for ideas!). In conclusion, try not to overbuy or cook too much food, unless you’re planning on using it for leftovers.

4. Create a regular exercise routine:

This step is essential for everyone who wants to live a healthy lifestyle. We really do need diet and exercise to be our healthiest selves.  Regular exercise is necessary for a functioning heart and mind, you’ll feel more energized and alert when you’re active, and you’ll sleep better. Look up quick workout routines that you can fit into your everyday life, no matter how hectic your schedule is, even if it’s just 15 min a day. There are innumerable benefits of regular exercise, and your body will thank you.

5. Listen to your body:

You’ll never regret tuning into your body. Try and research types of foods that would be good for your body, know your allergies and weaknesses that can be avoided. Find healthy alternatives to foods you love but might be not so great for you. You can either talk to a doctor or dietician to see what your body needs food and exercise wise. Make sure to drink tons of water and make sure you’re getting the right amount of vitamins and nutrients. However, it can be dangerous to take vitamins or eat certain foods that are claimed to be nutritious without knowing what your body can handle, so do your research!

“Easy On The Go Snacks”

Nutrition Breakdown:

Organic Coconut Mango Pomegranate Chew

A sweet healthy treat! A delectable mix of tropical coconut and mango paired with nutty pumpkin seeds and tart pomegranate bites.

• Organic and Non-GMO
• Good source of fiber, manganese, copper, and magnesium!
• Low in sodium, no trans fats!

Garden Veggie Chips

A fantastic snack for kids! Crunchy, colorful, fun way to get your daily veggies!

• Includes: Sweet Potatoes, Squash, Carrots, Taro Root, and Green Beans
• Non-GMO
  
  
• Good source of fiber and Vitamins!

Sea Salt and Apple Cider Vinegar Seasoned Nuts

These are my personal favorite on the go snack, I have them with me always. Your choice of creamy cashews or almonds, seasoned with the tang of Apple Cider vinegar and a sprinkle of salt on top. Think Apple Cider Vinegar chips, but better.

• Excellent source of manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, and minerals
• Full of protein, and fiber
• No Trans fats

Organic Dark Chocolate Pomegranates

The perfect little pick me up snack. Indulge yourself. Organic pomegranate seeds blanketed in rich and decadent dark chocolate, combining tart and sweet.

• Non-GMO, Organic
• Good source of fiber
• No hydrogenated oils