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National Nutrition Month – Eating Right, Bite by Bite by Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health Agent

National Nutrition Month – Eating Right, Bite by Bite by Johanna Hicks, Family & Community Health Agent
  • PublishedFebruary 21, 2020


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National Nutrition Month – Eating Right, Bite by Bite

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and Texas A&M AgriLife Extension invite you to celebrate National Nutrition month with this year’s theme of Eat Right, Bite by Bite!  The theme not only appeals to kids and kids-at-hear, but “bite-by-bite” also supports the philosophy that every little bit (or bite!) of nutrition is a step in the right direction.  Small goals/changes can have a cumulative effect.  National Nutrition Month is a great way to start the spring season off right and focus on the importance of making healthy food choices.  Incorporating physical activity into our routine is also part of the focus.

According to ChooseMyPlate.gov, a healthy eating pattern should include a variety of foods including:

  • Fruits such as bananas, strawberries, apples, pears, grapes
  • Vegetables such as carrots, green peppers, corn, onions
  • Grains such as oats, rice, whole grain bread and pasta, popcorn
  • Dairy such as milk, cheese, yogurt
  • Proteins such as chicken seafood, lean beef and pork, eggs, nuts, and seeds

A well-balanced eating pattern can provide us with a variety of nutrients such as fiber, potassium, calcium, protein and carbohydrates that are needed for our body’s day-to-day activities.  Using tools such as ChooseMyPlate.gov can help

personalize nutrition goals and understand that there is not a “one plan fits all” approach.  Everyone’s way to “eat right, but by bite” will look different.

               To celebrate National Nutrition Month, try these ideas below:

  • Try new produce each week – try to incorporate a new fruit or vegetable into your meals.  Create a challenge with family members to see who has tried the most variety of fresh fruits and vegetables.
  • Healthy Family Fun – celebrate with your family by shopping and meal prepping or try new outdoor activities such as walking or riding bikes.  This is a great way to get the entire family involved and maybe start some healthy family traditions.  Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week.
  • Visit Texas A&M AgriLife Extension’s Dinner Tonight link.  Dinner Tonight offers delicious and budget-friendly recipes that are a great way to begin your journey to eat right, bite by bite.  To learn more about the recipes, visit https://dinnertonight.tamu.edu

 

Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes

               I included information about the “Do Well, Be Well with Diabetes” series in a previous column, but I want to emphasize again how beneficial the information is for those who have diabetes.  The dates are rapidly approaching, and I don’t want anyone who could use the information to miss out!  This is a five-lesson series covering a variety of topics.  Please share the dates with your friends or family members.

  • When:  Mondays & Thursdays, March 9, 12, 16, 19, and 23
  • Where:  Hopkins County Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Office, 1200 W. Houston, Sulphur Springs
  • Time:  6:00 p.m.
  • Cost:  $25, payable at the first session, covers all materials, recipe sampling, door prizes (couples pay only one fee)
  • Please call: 903-885-3443 to sign up.

 

Closing Thought

Kindness in words creates confidence; kindness in thinking creates profoundness; kindness in giving creates love – Lau Tzu

Article by Johanna Hicks, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Family & Community Health Agent


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