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2019 is the first year that will be home to national nutrition month! Just like the name suggests, that’s a whole month dedicated to sharing knowledge and tips towards healthy nutrition habits. The goal of this is to help the public become more in tune with what they’re putting into their bodies, what they actually need, and how to make those two things work together in their day to day life!
Reading Labels
The first step towards proper nutrition is knowing what goes into your body. To achieve this, you have to take a few extra minutes to read the nutrition labels on the food that you eat and buy. On the nutrition label, you’ll find information about what a serving size is, the number of calories in that serving, and what values make up those calories. Many people don’t realize that in a single sitting they’re consuming 2 or 3 meals at a time. By reading labels, you’ll be able to practice good portion control and reach for foods with more nutritious ingredients.
Cut Calories
Once you’ve gotten used to reading labels, you can begin to cut calories from your diet. Many people find that their food is filled with empty calories that are easy to eliminate. These include sugary drinks, sauces, and other additions that don’t improve the nutritional content of a meal. During national nutrition month, take some time to look for healthier alternatives to your normally unhealthy sources of empty calories.
Daily Exercise
An essential part of a healthy nutrition plan is getting regular exercise. You should aim to have 20 to 30 minutes of physical activity each day. If you struggle to incorporate training into your routine, look for an option that you actually enjoy! Not everyone loves running on the treadmill or lifting weights. Instead, look into group fitness classes, yoga, dance, and other alternative workout methods. As you begin to improve your muscle tone, your metabolism will naturally improve and maintaining a healthy weight will be more accessible than ever before!
Invite friends and family to join you this national nutrition month. Having a partner by your side is an excellent form of motivation, and you’ll feel better knowing that those you love are improving their health! Carry your new-found healthy habits into the months and years to come. Nutrition and fitness is a lifelong journey, not a month-long diet plan!
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