National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month! The CRW Well-Being Collective wants to invite you to take this month to reset and reflect on how you can make healthier choices concerning your nutrition. Fuel your body to give yourself the energy you need to win the day!
Make yourself a Colorful Plate
Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone, explore new foods and make yourself a colorful plate!
An easy way to make sure that you’re eating a healthy meal is to look at how many different colors are on your plate. The more colors in your meal, the more nutrients you may be eating. A variety of different nutrients on your plate can lower the risk of numerous chronic health conditions, including heart disease, high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, and some types of cancer.
Examples:
- Blue – eggplant, blueberries, blackberries
- Green – broccoli, kale, spinach, avocado
- Orange – carrots, sweet potatoes, apricots
- Red – strawberries, raspberries, tomatoes, and red peppers.
- White – cauliflower, onions, garlic
Myth: Canned fruits and vegetables destroy nutrients.
Fact: All forms of canned fruits and vegetables can be as nutritious as their fresh or frozen counterparts!
Increase your Water Intake
It is recommended to drink about eight glasses of water a day. While this may be enough for some people, others may need more water depending on their amount of physical activity, their environment, overall health, and whether they are pregnant and breast feeding. Challenge yourself to get creative with your water intake by adding different ingredients for hydration and enhanced flavor!
Infused Water Ingredients:
- Lime wedges – Natural source of potassium and helps digestive health while fighting infections.
- Orange slices – Boosts the immune system and is a great source of vitamin C.
- Ginger – Decreases inflammation, joint swelling, and pain.
- Cucumber slices – Contains minerals to keep the muscles healthy and reduce inflammation in the body.
- Watermelon – Reduces blood pressure and increases circulation to support heart health.
- Kiwi slices – Rich in vitamin K, which is essential to building strong bones.
- Crushed berries – This is a great source of antioxidants which decrease inflammation and help clear the skin.
Play Hard, Sleep Well
Nutrition doesn’t end with what we eat and drink. Physical activity plays an important role when it comes to the number of calories our body uses depending on the type, intensity, and duration of the activity. This is why it’s important to fuel your body properly with nutrition-packed foods.
While moving your body is a great way to observe National Nutrition Month, it is equally important not to underestimate the power of rest. Rest allows for the mind to reset and for stress levels to decrease. It is an essential part of the body’s recovery, helping to prevent injuries and improve overall performance. This month strive to get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night to reset your mind and body.