HARTFORD, CT – Two out of 3 adults and nearly 1 in 3 young people are overweight or obese. March is National Nutrition Month which offers an opportunity for Americans to jump start eating nutritiously, says the American Heart Association.
“Most typical American diets are too high in calories from solid fats and added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat,” said Sharon Mierzwa, RD MPH, CT American Heart Association ANCHOR Project, Regional Campaign Manager. “Weight loss is the most common New Year’s resolution made. But by March many people who resolved to lose weight have lost momentum and find themselves struggling.”
National Nutrition Month presents an opportunity for everyone to learn more about nutrition and try new and healthy foods.
Eating healthy foods can help you manage your weight and lower the risk of many chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer — and healthy foods are fun and delicious! Young people who develop healthy food habits are more likely to stay healthy throughout their lives.
SOPHE offers 10 tips to help eat nutritiously:
- Start breakfast with instant oatmeal & low-fat milk.
- Skip the fast food drive through.
- Keep low-fat yogurt, cheese and milk in your refrigerator.
- Snack on fruits and vegetables.
- Pack a healthy lunch and skip eating out.
- If you eat out, split the meal or only eat half.
- Eat thin crust pizza. Add veggies as toppings.
- Limit meat, fish & poultry to 5 ounces.
- Eat whole-grain breads.
- Drink lots of water — 8 glasses a day!
“Many people who resolve to eat more nutritiously make many radical changes to their diets and lives,” said Sharon Mierzwa. “But they often find that drastic changes are difficult to maintain. We encourage every American to make at least one positive healthy change this month and try it for 30 days. You won’t regret it!”
Currently, the American Heart Association is a partnering in the National Implementation and Dissemination for Chronic Disease Prevention nationwide project. There are 97 projects in communities across the nation assisting people and communities in living healthier lives. Learn more at #Partnering4Health or www.sophe.org/nid4cdp.cfm
Infographic available: Download — http://tinyurl.com/jocpn59
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