Putting Nutritional Awareness on the Menu

March is National Nutrition Month! It’s no secret that eating healthy is important, but actually putting that into action can be difficult. According to a recent survey, around 77% of Americans would like to eat a healthier diet, as they recognize that eating healthy is an important part of living a long and healthy life.* However, that same survey also reported that there are significant barriers to eating healthier, from a lack of knowledge to the cost of healthy foods. At BRMS, we’re taking the time to boost awareness for nutritional health through important insights and helpful tips for following a healthy diet.

• Around 1 in 5 adults have at least one untreated cavity.*
• Over 150 million people in the U.S. are reported to have a poor diet.*
• Around 40% of adults and 20% of children are overweight or obese.***
• Only 9.3% of adults are meeting the daily vegetable recommendation, and only 12.2% are meeting the daily fruit recommendation.**
• Around 90% of Americans eat too much sodium.**

1. Eat the Rainbow

This is a fun and simple approach to healthy eating that encourages you to incorporate a wide variety of colorful fruits and vegetables into your diet. Each color in produce often represents different nutrients, which work together to support your health in unique ways. For example, red foods like tomatoes and strawberries are rich in vitamin C and lycopene, while orange foods like carrots and oranges are high in vitamin A and beta-carotene.

2. Say No to Sodas

Saying no to sodas, sports drinks, and even fruit juice is a smart choice when it comes to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. These drinks often contain high levels of sugar, artificial sweeteners, and excess calories, which can contribute to weight gain and increase the risk of chronic diseases like obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Sodas and sports drinks are especially problematic because they provide little to no nutritional value.

3. Go Nuts

Incorporate more nutrient-dense snacks into your diet, specifically nuts and seeds. These natural powerhouses are packed with a variety of health benefits, making them an excellent choice for a snack.

Nuts like almonds, walnuts, pistachios, and cashews are rich in healthy fats, primarily unsaturated fats, which support heart health by helping to lower bad cholesterol levels.

4. Grab a Coffee

While you should enjoy coffee in moderation to avoid potential side effects like insomnia or increased heart rate, coffee can offer a surprising number of health benefits. Coffee is rich in antioxidants, compounds that help protect your cells from damage caused by free radicals. These antioxidants can contribute to reducing inflammation and lowering the risk of chronic diseases like heart disease.

5. Get Educated!

Knowing yourself and your body is the best way to stay healthy! Make regular appointments with your doctor to keep an eye on things. Taking the time to understand your body, its needs, and any potential risks is one of the most empowering things you can do for your health.

Eating a nutritional diet not only helps you live a longer, healthier life, but it also keeps you in top shape and feeling your best! This National Nutrition Month, take the steps to put nutrition first and make sure you’re eating the foods best for you. Let’s work together to improve eating habits and spread nutritional awareness!