March is Nutrition Month and the Interior Health Registered Dietitians (IHRD) will be joining forces with the Dietitians of Canada to encourage Canadians to take the “100 Meal Journey” by making small changes to their eating, one meal at a time.
“The average person eats around 100 meals in a month, so that is 100 opportunities to make positive changes to your eating habits over the next month and beyond,” says Nadine Baerg, Public Health Dietitian.
“By focusing on one meal at a time you can make small lasting changes that you can stick with.”
Eating well can boost your health and help you feel your best. When it comes to making healthier choices, IHRD recommends starting with small changes – one meal at a time.
“Dietitians of Canada chose the theme Take a 100 Meal Pledge this year, to encourage Canadians to make one or two small changes per meal, local dietician Lauren Bock says, adding this is practiced over a month.”
“Trying to take on too many changes at once is overwhelming. It’s better to make one simple change, than working on too many goals at once.”
The first step, says Bock, is to “choose your change.”
“Think about your eating habits; where can you make a positive change; how you can make it really simple to start; and substitute some food for a healthy one. Consider if there is something in your environment you can change to make the healthier choice the easiest.”
Some other simple changes that can make a big difference towards health is to fill more of your plate with vegetables; choose whole grain instead of white bread; serve smaller portions; pledge to avoid second helpings; enjoy fruit for snacks instead of sweet or salty treats; drink (fizzy) water in place of sugary beverages, like pop or speciality hot drinks; and keep high-calorie snacks out of sight – keep healthy snacks, such as fresh fruit, in sight. Bock explains.
“People can cook more meals at home planning for leftovers, which make great packed lunches. Sit at a table, with the TV off, and be mindful of your meal.”
For more information, visit the Dietitians of Canada website: http://www.dietitians.ca/Your-Health/Nutrition.