Between work and home life, there never seems to be enough hours in the day to pay attention to the little things (that can have a big impact!) like nutrition. Combined with increasingly sedentary lifestyles, this unhealthy trend has led to an overweight problem in America where 78 million U.S. adults are considered obese.
To address this, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has designated March National Nutrition Month 2016 so Americans, young and old, can “savor the flavor of eating right.” So, if you are looking to get healthy with your own food or want to set a good example for the people you care for, here are some great tips to get in shape for national nutrition month:
- Don’t skip breakfast: If you think skipping breakfast is an easy way to slim down this month, think again. Starting your day with a balance of lean protein, whole grains, fruits and even vegetables, can keep you satisfied until lunch and give you the energy needed to fuel your morning. It also helps you eat less in the evenings to balance your daily intake of calories.
- Expand your palate: We understand that you and your loved ones may think healthy food has to be bland, but if you simply expand your palate, you’ll discover a whole array of tasty options that can benefit your vitality. Try something different, vibrant and full of beneficial micronutrients and you might find your new favorite food. Kale, anyone?
- Cook more: While eating out or getting fast food can save you time, it can cost you calories – 65 percent more than the average home-cooked meal. Fast food also tends to have a significantly higher amount of trans fats, which can increase your chance of heart disease. Cooking nice, healthy meals is ideal, but it can be time consuming, especially if you’re taking care of an older loved one. This is where non-medical in-home caregivers can help.
- Love your food in smaller amounts: As we get older, our bodies need fewer calories to maintain a healthy body weight. This means portion control is a big factor in staying in shape. Adding fiber-rich foods like fruits and vegetables to your meals is a great way to keep you full longer.
At FirstLight Home Care, we understand that maintaining your diet can be tough, especially if you’re also caring for a loved one at home. This is why we work with families to help develop special diets, eating schedules and meal preparations designed with your health in mind. If you want to learn more about National Nutrition Month, visit www.EatRight.org to get more nutrition tips today. For information on personal care services, such as meal preparation assistance that can help your loved ones enjoy regular balanced meals, contact your local FirstLight Home Care location.