National Nutrition Month is a great time to focus on a healthy diet. Eating a diet high in fiber and low in saturated fat can help to reduce the risk of many diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and even certain cancers!
At first, making changes to your diet and eating healthy can feel overwhelming. Begin by planning some of your meals out ahead of time and eating with intention. Eating on the fly or waiting until you get too hungry can make it difficult to make healthy choices.
Start with bringing your own lunches to work/school and thinking about dinner recipes for the week ahead on the weekends. Consider making a menu and then go grocery shopping for the foods you need each week, it can save time and money!
Quick and easy (and healthy!) dinner ideas can include sheet pan recipes, crockpot meals, or “one-pot” meals. Be sure to include the following components for a nutritious, well-balanced meal:
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A lean protein (chicken, fish, turkey, lean beef)
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Complex carbohydrates (baked or sweet potato, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, quinoa, etc) Lots of non-starchy vegetables (broccoli, salads, bell peppers, cauliflower, green beans, asparagus, etc.)