March is National Nutrition Month® and the American Dietetic Association (ADA) wants you to “Eat Right”. But what is “eating right”?

Eating right can be as simple as making a few small changes to your current eating habits. Focus on the basics of healthy eating: include more fruits and vegetables, lean protein sources and whole grains in your diet everyday; choose low-fat dairy options; and limit your saturated fat, trans fat, cholesterol, sodium and added sugar intake. If you need some ideas to get started, try working on one of these healthy eating goals each week:

• Make smarter food choices. Instead of focusing on whether foods are good or bad for you, consider whether they are packed with vitamins, nutrients and fiber and have a reasonable number of calories.
• Mix things up. We all get in food ruts, eating the same foods and meals every week because they’re easy or convenient. But changing things up can be easy. Add fruit to your breakfast and a salad with your lunch. Try a new vegetable or whole grain every week. Get your protein from beans or fish instead of your usual chicken and beef. Find an interesting recipe online and make dinner preparation a family affair.
• Find the right fats. Fats aren’t all bad. In fact, while watching your saturated fat, trans fat and cholesterol intake is important, our bodies need fat to function. Just make sure the majority of your fat intake comes from monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats. Also try to include Omega-3 fatty acids in your diet regularly.

Eating right doesn’t have to be hard. In fact, mixing things up can make meals more satisfying and fun. Try something new–you just might like it!

"Eat well. Live well. Be well."