March into Health: Celebrating National Nutrition Month with Dr. Graham Colditz
ST. LOUIS – Did you feel that? It’s not just the arrival of spring; it’s also March, the month we all stretch our metaphorical tummies and celebrate National Nutrition Month! As we dig into this delightful time of year, let’s chew on what our dear friend and nutrition guru, Dr. Graham A. Colditz, has to say about food, health, and everything in between. Grab a snack (preferably something healthy, like an apple) and let’s uncover the tasty truths about nutrition!
A Healthy Dose of Nutritional Wisdom
You might be wondering, “Are we eating too much of a good thing?” Well, the short answer is: it’s rare to find a column here that doesn’t sprinkle a little food for thought! Over the years, the connection between our diet and our health has been as clear as a bell—or should I say, “as crisp as an apple”? Dr. Colditz highlights that what we munch on can have varying impacts; a tiny bite might play a minor role in one condition while a giant hoagie could make a sizeable impact on another!
Ultimately, the message is as straightforward as a carrot stick: choosing healthier foods and drinks is one of the best decisions we can make for our well-being. Eating a balanced diet might not only extend our years (who doesn’t want to be able to celebrate their 104th birthday with a slice of carrot cake?), but it can also lower our risk of serious health issues like heart disease, stroke, and yes, even cancer.
Unpacking the Messy Meal from the Misses
In today’s world of non-stop news and social media buzz, understanding “healthy eating” can feel like trying to untangle a pile of spaghetti—messy and a bit overwhelming! But let’s take a step back and enjoy the simple ingredients of a healthy diet, which haven’t really hit the blender of change in the past few decades. Here are a few “pasta-bilities” for eating right:
1. Fruits and Vegetables, Oh My!
Let’s ketchup on this one! Make it a point to shove at least one fruit or veggie onto your plate at every meal. And while fresh is fab, don’t shy away from some frozen or canned varieties—just make sure they aren’t swimming in sodium or syrup!
2. Whole Grains: The “Whole” Package
Skip the “white-out” and embrace the whole! Foods made with 100% whole grains, like whole-wheat bread and oatmeal, are nutrient-packed powerhouses compared to their processed pals.
3. Drink to Your Health
Stay hydrated with some lighter choices like unsweetened tea, fizzy water, or good ol’ fashioned H2O jazzed up with a splash of lime. No need to sugarcoat it—soda and those extravagant coffee drinks could be the sneaky culprits adding unwanted calories to your day.
4. Go Nuts for Healthy Fats
When cooking, it’s time to ditch the butter and lard! Swapping in healthier fats like canola and olive oils can be life-changing—and it won’t leave you feeling greasy!
5. Fast Food: A Not-So-Fast Choice
While fast food may be convenient, it’s like a high-calorie party without the fun. These foods are often packed with unhealthy fats and should only make a cameo in our diets from time to time.
6. Meat Matters: Choose Wisely
Remember, a little chicken or fish is much healthier than frequently noshing on red and processed meats. Beans and nuts want in on the action too!
7. Limit Alcohol—Zero is a Hero!
If there’s one thing to raise a toast to, it’s moderation! Alcohol can increase the likelihood of various health issues, so think about going alcohol-free—your body will thank you later!
One Bite at a Time
Believe it or not, one of the most potent tools for improving our health is something we do every single day—eat! Now, I know, transitioning to a healthier diet isn’t necessarily a walk in the park (unless that park has a salad bar!), but remember: it’s a marathon, not a sprint! Tackle changes step-by-step. Maybe incorporate one new healthy habit, like eating a broccoli floret instead of a donut—because every little change counts!
So, here’s to a month of buttery smoothies and ripe avocado toast! Dr. Colditz also reminds us that just like cooking, improving nutrition is part of a delicious journey—not a race. After all, life is what you bake of it!
Dr. Graham A. Colditz is an internationally celebrated leader in cancer prevention, adding a little flavor to the field with the innovative “8ightWays® to Prevent Cancer” series. Let’s raise our forks to healthier choices and a whiff of broccoli-inspired joy this National Nutrition Month!
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