March Is Nutrition Month "Health is wealth!" You are what you eat!" “Garbage in garbage out!” You probably heard them all. So what's the big deal? Well for one, life is not a dress rehearsal. You do not get a second chance to make things right. Our health, our well being, spiritually, mentally and physically is in our power to change. So I’m giving you all a challenge! All I ask is that you give it a try. Take 21 days and see just how great a small lifestyle change can feel. Be creative! Try something different. Purchase a fruit and vegetable that you have yet to try. Cut down on sugar, sodium and fat. Try low-fat dairy products, poultry without skin and lean meats to impart flavor. Serve healthy snacks such as a handful of almonds, raisins, air popped popcorn (no butter or salt), sliced vegetables and fruit. Do not use food as a punishment or reward!!! Let your children get involved. Teach them to “eat the rainbow.” Keep a chart on the fridge so they can record each color of fruit or vegetable they have each day. You can also have then plan, shop for and prepare meals. By doing so, they are likely to make better food choices when they are involved in the process. Get moving! Encourage informal play virtually everyday. If you can’t participate with your kids during the week, plan on being active during the weekend. Go skating, walk your dog, go for a long walk etc… A body in motion stays in motion. Get moving! Turn off the television and put away the electronics! The family should be encouraged to enjoy meal time as a time when family gathers. Suppertime should be a time to relax and unwind from the stressors of the day.
Sugar Levels Must Be Lowered To 5% of Daily Caloric Intake The World Health Organization (WHO) is again urging people to lower the amount of sugar they eat. The Geneva-based global health agency says getting daily sugar intake to below five per cent of one's daily caloric intake would be optimal but reiterated that restricting intake to no more than 10 per cent is also good. 1
According to the WHO, five per cent would be about six teaspoons of sugar a day. A can of sugarsweetened soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar. Not to get confused with fruit which contains natural occurring sugars, flavonoids, phytochemicals and fiber, which are all very good for you, the sugar in question comes from processed foods, foods that have had sugar added to them. The recommendations look at limiting sugar intake in relation to lowering the risk of diabetes, obesity, heart disease and dental decay Ian Harris is a Registered Nutritional Therapist, Natural Nutrition - Clinical Practitioner, Certified Wellness Coach, Certified Food Psychology Coach (Hon), Certified Personal Fitness Chef, Personal Professional Chef and has a Diploma in Nutritional Counseling (Hon). As well, Ian holds many other certification and specialties within weight management, wellness & nutrition and specializes in both Lifestyle & Weight Management and Nutritional & Lifestyle Oncology. Ian recently put his life’s work into practice by losing 55lbs pounds. Ian writes a bi-weekly health column in the Arnprior Chronicle Guide and has written for the Canadian Association of Natural Nutritional Practitioners. Ian Harris has also been heard on local radio and has been featured on local television. A Healthy Tomorrow Starts Today! What Are You Weighting for? – Ian Harris
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