National Nutrition Month –Fuel for the future

Catherine Park FOR THE DAILY REPUBLIC

Each year in the month of March, we celebrate and acknowledge nutrition’s importance on our health and well-being. This gives us the opportunity to learn about new ways to improve our health and reach our goals. This year’s National Nutrition Month theme, “Fuel for the Future,” plays importance on many aspects, like eating healthier foods, family dining, adequate sleep, drinking plenty of water and exercising.

We often hear that food is a natural form of medicine, which helps strengthen and builds us back up when we are sick or injured. When we nurture our bodies with a balanced diet, we are fueling ourselves back to health and that gives us the opportunity to be with our families and friends in the present and future. The importance of understanding the power of food really helps to encourage the consumption of a nutritious meal.

Read on to find out some helpful ways to fuel up:

There are certain foods proven to fuel the human body in different ways for different reasons. When we feel sick, we see an increase in the intake of vitamin C-rich foods like oranges, lemons and spinach. When you experience low energy levels, reaching for energy-boosting foods like fruits, grains, yogurt, trail mix and pastas will help pick you up.

We also know that a well-balanced diet proves to be beneficial, which leads to a healthier you. Eating the rainbow, a colorful array of fruits and vegetables, is another way to incorporate healthy eating habits. Fueling our bodies does not only consist of food. We also must consider sleep, hydration and exercise as vital importance to our well-being. With adequate amounts of each, along with a balanced diet, this helps us regenerate and gives us more energy to move forward with our day.

Consuming food as a family can play an important role in how we view healthy eating. By incorporating a tradition of shopping, prepping and cooking meals together, this brings people together to celebrate each unique culture and the seasonal foods in the community. Food has the ability to create a powerful connection between our communities and our health.

Lastly, it may be easy to set plans for achieving your goals, yet there may be some challenges along the way. Many times it feels easier to purchase fast food or eat meals on the go. Also, sometimes goals do not seem so easily achievable. However, by starting off small and setting little victories for yourself, these small but mighty changes will benefit you in the long term, and your health and future you will thank you.