Nutrition should be a year-round focus, but those pursuing a healthier lifestyle often require a new sense of focus during the month of March, when ambitious New Year’s resolutions begin to falter. March is thus the perfect time to celebrate 2016 National Nutrition Month. If you require a little healthy eating inspiration to get you back on track, these inspiring healthy eating principles will give you plenty of National Nutrition Month ideas:
1. Real food
In today’s overly-processed society, it can be difficult to maintain a balanced diet focused on whole foods. However, there is great joy and nourishment in a simple meal made from real ingredients.
2. Balancing the body
It is always best to stick with real food, but different types of foods tend to serve your body and mind better during different seasons. Meats and other yang foods are best eaten during the winter, while vegetables and other yin foods are better suited to the summer months.
3. Balancing diet with other healthy habits
A healthy lifestyle is not possible without a healthy diet, but there are also several other elements that require your attention. In order to maintain a truly healthy lifestyle, you need a balanced diet, plenty of exercise, and sufficient rest.
4. Portion control
Portion control is an essential aspect of nutritional balance. It is important to understand which foods should be eaten in limited quantities and which require a greater presence in your everyday diet.
5. Incorporating a variety of tastes
Sweet and salty are two of the most sought-after tastes, but your diet should also include sour, bitter, umami. As you incorporate a greater variety of tastes into your diet, once unsupported areas of the body will finally be given the nutrition they need to function optimally.
If you think a career in holistic medicine is something you would like to pursue, contact us and speak to an admissions representative to get started on your new journey!
6. Variety of food texture
Taste is not the only aspect of food that should be varied. Healthy recipes will ideally include several different textures, such as crunchy, smooth or creamy.
7. Gradual transition
For most, an abrupt transition in eating is to be avoided. Gradual shifts are ideal, as sudden changes can shock the body and have adverse physical and mental effects.
8. Awareness
Do you plow through food without paying attention to taste or texture? When you finish meals on auto-pilot, you are not truly enjoying yourself. Slow down and think about the experience you are having. Take note of the properties of the food and what, exactly, makes it so enjoyable to consume.
9. Self-forgiveness
Everybody slips up from time to time, but the last thing you need is to beat yourself up over a perceived diet mistake. Self-shaming will only make you susceptible to future binges. Instead, forgive yourself and renew your commitment to a holistic diet.
10. Gratitude
Not everybody is lucky enough to have an abundance of good food available. Gratitude should be an integral part of every meal. Prior to eating, say a few words of thanks and recognize the hard work that went into the food you are about to consume.
General nutrition information often offers advice about calories, carbohydrates, and fat, but all too often, we forget to address the holistic value of a well-balanced diet. This year, celebrate 2016 National Nutrition Month by renewing your commitment to a better mind, body and soul.
If you’re passionate about helping others maintain a healthier, more balanced lifestyle, learn more about becoming a student in one of PCOM’s acupuncture, massage therapy or holistic nursing programs.
Featured Posts:
