March is National Nutrition Month! Can you make one change for the health of your family?

So, we all know we should be eating nutritiously... but are we?  I was just commenting to my husband a few days ago about things I swore I'd never do as a mom I've slacked on SIGNIFICANTLY.  I think I need to use March's National Nutrition Month to get back on track!  Even just at a quick glace below at the AMA's recommendations, I can see I'm falling short (e.g. only 2 processed servings of meat per week... my kids LOVE processed meat; 2 servings of fish per week... we're lucky if I serve 2 per month, and the list goes on).  It was a lot easier when my kids were babies and ate everything I put in front of them... now that they're in the picky toddler stage giving them healthy choices they'll eat is a lot more difficult.  Summertime is a bit easier with so many fresh fruits & veggies around, but this past winter I've gotten LAZY, and it needs to stop! 

Is there one change you can make this month for the health of your family?  As referenced below, 83% of coronary events can be elminated with good nutrition, exercise and not smoking.  83%!!! 


The following is from the American Heart Association.

March is National Nutrition Month!


National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign held annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The American Heart Association encourages making heart-smart choices during Nutrition Month – and every month! At the heart of health is good nutrition.

A healthy diet and lifestyle are the best weapons in the fight against heart disease - the No. 1 killer of Americans. Cardiovascular disease is largely preventable. One study (NEJM 2000) found that by adhering to five lifestyle choices involving diet, exercise, and non-smoking, 83% of coronary events may be prevented.

When it comes to diet, making smart choices will benefit heart health and overall health. Incorporating even simple, small changes can make a big difference in living a healthier life and can help prevent obesity, diabetes, heart disease and stroke. The American Heart Association recommends that you eat a wide variety of nutritious foods daily.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• Fruits and vegetables: At least 4.5 cups a day

• Fish (preferably oily fish): At least two 3.5-ounce servings a week

• Fiber-rich whole grains: At least three 1-ounce-equivalent servings a day

• Sodium: Less than 1,500 mg a day

• Sugar-sweetened beverages: No more than 450 calories (36 ounces) a week



Other Dietary Measures:

• Nuts, legumes and seeds: At least 4 servings a week

• Processed meats: No more than 2 servings a week

• Saturated fat: Less than 7% of total energy intake