How to Fuel for the Future this March
March 21, 2023
Happy March! Not only does March usher in the warm months of Spring, but it also happens to be National Nutrition Month. March was deemed National Nutrition Month 50 years ago, in 1973, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This campaign focuses on spreading nutrition education and awareness and promoting healthy lifestyle habits.
This year, the theme for National Nutrition Month is Fuel for the Future and focuses on teaching people how to eat healthy in a sustainable way. See the tips below on how to celebrate National Nutrition Month this March and Fuel for the Future!
Eat with the Environment in Mind
The theme Fuel for the Future emphasizes the idea of eating with the environment in mind. One way to do this is to eat more plant-based meals. Meat production and consumption has a huge negative impact on the environment due to the production of greenhouse gasses. It is estimated that an average of 110 pounds of greenhouse gasses are emitted per 3.5 ounces of protein produced; this is about twice the amount of pollution released when compared to the production of plant-based foods.
So, try to eat a plant-based meal once per week. Even this small change can be a big help not only for the environment but for your health as well! Some great plant-based protein options include: tofu, tempeh, chickpeas, beans, and lentils.
Another way to eat with the environment in mind is to try to eat foods with minimal packaging. To do this, try to look for goods with paper or glass packaging rather than plastic packaging. Additionally, the next time you go to the grocery store, bring reusable bags in order to cut back on plastic waste from plastic grocery bags.
Get Creative with Leftovers and Pantry items
Not only does meat production contribute to the emission of greenhouse gasses, but food waste does as well. In fact, food waste actually contributes about 8% of total human greenhouse gas emissions. In order to combat this problem, it is important that we try to stop throwing away and wasting so much of our food.
The next time you have 2-day old leftovers sitting in the fridge, instead of throwing them out, try to spice them up in a new way. Add a new sauce, some different spices, and you have an entirely new meal! Have fun with this; experiment with new flavors, foods, and recipes!
Fuel your Body
In order to feel your best, it is important to fuel your body properly. The idea of proper fueling looks different for everyone and can be impacted by your activity level, pre-existing conditions, height and weight, etc. In general, it is important to fill your plate with unprocessed, whole foods, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and low-fat dairy options, and limit your intake of processed foods with added sugars and high sodium levels. In order to get more in-depth guidance for how to eat healthy in accordance to your lifestyle, schedule a visit with one of St. Mary’s outpatient registered dietitians. Ask your primary care provider for a referral today!
This March, have fun with National Nutrition Month and get your friends and family involved. Spread awareness about the importance of nutrition and have fun while you do it. Organize a healthy dinner party, play nutrition trivia games, try out new recipes, and further your education on healthy eating. Happy National Nutrition Month!