March is National Nutrition Month.
We all lead different lifestyles, and it is no surprise that dieting is not “one-size-fits-all.”
Therefore, it is important to follow a healthy eating regimen that is tailored to you and your daily needs.
Sticking to a diet that is custom to you will both give you the energy that your body requires and help combat obesity and weight gain.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, carrying too much body fat may have harmful effects on your health.
More than 40% of U.S. adults are obese, which is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) greater than 30.
There are many contributing factors that cause obesity, most of which can be prevented or regulated.
Some of these factors include:
• Family history and genes
• Medications
• Lifestyle habits
• Eating behaviors
• Stress
• Too little sleep
• Medical problems
When approaching weight loss, follow these simple lifestyle changes that can be easily incorporated into your daily routine:
• Eat a calorie-controlled diet
• Participate in physical activity (150 minutes of moderate-intensity each week is recommended for adults)
• Try behavior therapy (recognizing triggers for eating)
While exercising is a key component in being healthy, failure to eat a well-balanced and nutritious diet is often the limiting factor that keeps people from becoming the healthiest version of themselves.
For weight loss, or improving any chronic disease, eating 2-3 servings of vegetables a day can make a tremendous impact.
Add balance to your meals by making half of your plate fruits and vegetables while decreasing the amount of protein and starches, such as meat and potatoes.
To help keep your eating habits on track, follow these simple steps from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietics:
• Eat breakfast
• Make half your plate fruits and vegetables
• Fix healthy snacks
• Drink more water
• Reduce added sugars
• Cook homemade meals
• Explore new foods and flavors
• Experiment with plantbased meals
• Eat more slowly
If you want to stay on the straight and narrow by eating healthy but are looking to mix up your mealtime routine with new recipes, visit AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight to choose from a variety of healthy meals.
The Milam County FCH has a Facebook page. Please make sure and go in and like the page to get information about Milam County Family and Community Health. FCH facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Milam-County-Family-and-Consumer-Science….
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