Are You Choosing Life?

March's is National Nutrition Month®. This year's theme is Put Your Best Fork Forward. It is a reminder that the fork, which you hold in your hand at most every meal, is a powerful tool. At every meal, we make choices about what to put into our bodies, regardless of our age. In order for our bodies to truly benefit, we need to choose foods that will do more than just satisfy our taste buds and hedonic hunger. Even one small change each day can make a difference in the quality of your tomorrow.

This March, challenge yourself to think before you eat and consider the item your are about to indulge in. Is it life-sustaining?        #NNM, #EatRight

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10 Tips To Put Your Best Fork Forward

1. Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables; the more colorful the better.

2. Snack on fresh fruits and raw vegetables before eating that bowl of ice cream. The enzymes and nutrients in raw foods are highly beneficial to your body.

3. Swap raw almonds or other nuts and seeds for processed chips and snacks.  Nuts and seeds, along with other mono-unsaturated fats, lubricate your body without clogging your arteries.

4. Choose whole grains over adulterated white flour products. Try a sprouted, whole grain bagel with peanut butter instead of a plain bagel with cream cheese.

5. Use a smart strategy to plan ahead when eating out. Select meals with grilled or steamed, lean meats and vegetables. Ask for sauces and salad dressing to be served on the side.

6. Dip your fork into the side of sauce or dressing before stabbing your food. You'll get the flavor without all the fat.

7. Enjoy a bigger meal midday and smaller meal in the evening. If your body isn't digesting dinner all night long, it can repair and rejuvenate the areas that need attention while you are sleeping.

​8. Read the ingredients. If you can't pronounce it or define it, it's not real food. Keep it simple and eat real food.

9. Eat vegan one day a week. Start with just one meal a day and make it an adventure to discover recipes. Watch the film, Forks over Knives, and check out the website for tools on eating a plant-based diet.

​10. Prepare your own food. Eating a home-cooked meal is good for your soul as well as your body. Invite a friend to join you to share in your culinary adventure.

Small Changes Today Can Pay Off Big Tomorrow