Get Your Plate in Shape!

March is National Nutrition Month and a great time to take a look at your food and exercise habits and make some improvements. National Nutrition Month was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to bring attention to nutrition and the importance it plays in our lives. This year's theme, “Get Your Plate in Shape,” takes cues from the recently updated USDA Food Guidance System, which focuses on building a balanced plate. Take a look at your dinner plate tonight. Is it balanced? We probably could all use a little advice! Here are a few ways to “Get Your Plate in Shape” from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics: Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Eat a variety of vegetables, especially dark-green, red and orange varieties. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks. Make at least half your grains whole: Choose 100% whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers, pasta and brown rice. Check the ingredients list on food packages to find whole-grain foods. Switch to fat-free or low-fat milk: Fat-free and low-fat milk have the same amount of calcium and other essential nutrients as whole milk, but less fat and calories. For those who are lactose intolerant, try lactose-free milk or calcium-fortified soy beverage. Vary your protein choices: Eat a variety of foods from the protein food group each week, such as seafood, nuts and beans, as well as lean meat, poultry and eggs. Keep meat and poultry portions small and lean. And be sure to choose seafood as a protein at least twice a week. Cut back on sodium and empty calories from solid fats and added sugars: Compare sodium in foods and choose those with lower numbers, and season your foods with herbs and spices instead of salt. Switch from solid fats to healthy oils like olive and canola oil. Replace sugary drinks with water and choose fruit for dessert. Enjoy your foods but eat less: Avoid oversized portions. Use a smaller plate, bowl and glass. Cook more often at home where you are in control of what’s in your food. Be physically active: Adults need at least 2 hours and 30 minutes of physical activity every week. Choose activities that you enjoy, and start by doing as much as you can.