March is National Nutrition Month! The theme for 2016 is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,” which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. It is possible to enjoy the taste and flavor of food while still maintaining a healthy diet. Take time to enjoy food traditions and find creative, healthful and nutritious ways to add flavor to food.
In today’s busy world, we often eat quickly and mindlessly. Instead, try following this tip to help you savor the flavor of your food: Eat slowly. “It’s important to take time to appreciate the flavors, textures and overall eating experience,” said Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program Nutritionist, Barb Beaver.
How, when, why and where you eat are just as important as what you eat. Being a mindful eater can help you reset both your body and your mind and lead to an overall healthier lifestyle.
“Many people eat lunch at their desks or have dinner in front of the television. By just taking a few minutes out of your busy schedule to find a nice place to mindfully eat instead of multitasking through your meals, you may find that you enjoy your food more and even eat less,” said Ashley Donaldson, WIC Dietetic Technician.
Improving overall health requires a lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing maintainable and enjoyable eating practices and regular physical activity.
A registered dietitian nutritionist can educate you and guide your food choices while keeping your tastes and preferences in mind. RDNs are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into information you can use.
WIC provides nutrition education, breastfeeding education and support; supplemental, highly nutritious foods such as cereal, eggs, milk, whole grain foods, fruits and vegetables, and iron-fortified infant formula; referral to prenatal and pediatric health care and other maternal and child health and human service programs. For more information about WIC in Wood County, call 419-354-9661.
