Nutritious eating plan starts with basics
BY DARLENE ZIMMERMANfound at freep.com HENRY FORD HEALTH SYSTEM
If it’s March, it must be National Nutrition Month. Initiated in 1973 as a weeklong education event, the week became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition.
The campaign, created by the American Dietetic Association (ADA), is designed to focus attention on the importance of nutrition as a key component of good health, along with physical activity.”Nutrition from the Ground Up” is this year’s theme and the ADA offers some common sense advice on building a nutritious eating plan and creating a healthy lifestyle.
• Start with the basics. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low fat and fat-free dairy products and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. A healthy eating plan is also low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
• Make calories count by thinking nutrient-rich rather than good or bad foods. Opt for foods that are packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients and be aware of portion sizes. Even low-calorie foods can add up when portions are large.
• Make the most of family mealtime. Eating meals together provides the opportunity to help children develop a healthy attitude toward food. It also enables parents to serve as role models, introduce new foods and establish a regular meal schedule.
• Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness. Set a goal to be physically active at least 30 minutes every day.
HEART SMART is a registered trademark of the Henry Ford Hospital Heart and Vascular Institute. Darlene Zimmerman, MS, RD, is program contact; for questions about today’s recipe, call her at 313-972-1920, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays.