March is Nutrition Month
As March is Nutrition Month, we focus on easy nutrition tips to follow and incorporate in your day to day life, and a hidden tool that some people forget is available at their disposal - the Dietitian.
Building a Balanced Diet – Finding a balanced diet can be difficult with the complications of a busy schedule, a restricted diet or being unsure where to start. Vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and healthy oils are a good place to start. Then think of at least one meal a day to start: breakfast, lunch or dinner. Consider which meal you have the most time to dedicate yourself to and start planning meals! A convenient healthy meal go-to is the one tray meal. Below you will find a link with some recipe ideas!
Snacks – Snacks play a huge part when building a balanced diet. Impromptu mid-morning and midafternoon snacks can be a major downfall. Be prepared and carry a granola bar, stock some yogurt, carrots and hummus or cheese and apples in the staff fridge or a small bag of trail mix. These snacks will help keep you energized and also deter unhealthy cravings.
Vegetables – Incorporating vegetables can be harder for pickier eaters. Try new vegetables, cook vegetables in new ways and do your best to be adventurous and find something you enjoy. The process will be worth it in the end when you can find new vegetables that you enjoy. In the meantime, ask your family doctor if they think you should be taking any supplements in the interim until you figure out a diet that is well balanced.
What is a Dietitian?
A dietician is a health professional who is passionate about food and its ability to enhance lives and improve health. Dietitians plan with their patients to understand the value of foods, their hidden potential and to enjoy it. Dietitians tailor diets to your personal needs, including taste and food skills.
Some of the reasons to contact a dietician are diabetes, heart health, cancer, infant feeding, picky eating, allergies, digestive concerns, malnutrition, pregnancy, sports nutrition and vegetarian/vegan diets.
If you have a difficult time with meal planning or starting a balanced diet, they are here to help you. In BC, you can talk directly with a dietitian at 8-1-1 or visit this website: https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/dietitian-services
Sources:
http://www.nutritionmonth2019.ca/
http://www.unlockfood.ca/en/Articles/Nutrition-Month/What-is-a-Dietitian
https://www.buzzfeed.com/rachelysanders/easy-one-tray-oven-dinners