Care Resource is encouraging South Florida to “Fuel for the Future” during National Nutrition Month. Eating healthy can be tricky, so we’ve gathered some of the best tips to help you make your National Nutrition Month nutritious. Physical activity is crucial to maintain a healthy lifestyle, so, during National Nutrition Month, it’s important to focus on fueling the body to maintain long-lasting activity.
According to Gloria Cabral, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), “Focusing on healthful plates can have long-lasting health benefits and reduce your risk of stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and some cancers. There are five primary food groups: vegetables, fruit, grains, protein, and dairy. Balancing your plate with these groups will help you eat healthily all day.”
Below are recommended healthy habits to stay on track in the road to greater wellness:
HABIT 1: INDULGING COMFORT FOODS
In response to stress, many people use food for emotional soothing. Often, these “comfort foods” are high in carbohydrates, sugar, and fat, which negatively impact our health in the long run.
Fix: Nutritious foods are more supportive for our behavioral health than comfort foods. If you’re feeling down, reach out to a friend or therapist. When you choose to indulge a snack, bake a healthy dessert with a loved one!
HABIT 2: BINGE-WATCHING
To cope with sadness, boredom and loneliness, individuals have turned to television. These long periods of inactivity are often accompanied by snacking, causing individuals to overeat processed foods.
Fix: Practice digital mindfulness and limit the hours of television you watch each day. This way, you’ll have more time for other activities such as exercise classes, support groups, and personal hobbies that keep you connecting, instead of overeating.
HABIT 3: SET A MEAL SCHEDULE
Due to our busy and productive lives, we sometimes neglect to eat or drink water, forgetting to meet our body’s needs.
Fix: It’s essential to keep a schedule that supports balanced eating. Some choose to eat a fresh breakfast that is low in sugar and salt. Others may choose to drink water shortly after waking up and eat only after a period of intermittent fasting. Whichever routine you choose, eat mindfully, and run your plan by a registered nutritionist.
This month provides an opportunity to reset. By meeting with Gloria Cabral, Registered Dietitian and primary care providers at Care Resource, community members can establish a nutrition plan that works for them, improve their eating patterns and overall wellness.
About Care Resource:
Care Resource is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization and a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) with four locations in Midtown Miami, Little Havana, Miami Beach, and Fort Lauderdale. The health center provides comprehensive health and support services to address the full health care needs of South Florida’s pediatric, adolescent, and adult populations.
