Marching into Health: Celebrating National Nutrition Month in St. Louis

ST. LOUIS – March isn’t just the month of springing forward; it’s also National Nutrition Month. So, put on your chef’s hat and get ready to sprinkle some knowledge on how our meal choices can affect our health! This is not just a "grape" opportunity — it’s a whole grape-vine of information!

Why Food Matters: The Lowdown

You might be wondering, “How often does this column stir the pot on healthy eating?” The answer is a full plate of "lot" — we’ve been serving up this topic consistently over the years! You see, the old adage, “You are what you eat,” might need an update — how about, “You are what you choose to chow down on”? From energizing smoothies to hearty salads, what we eat plays a significant role in our health and overall well-being.

Unhealthy choices can lead to a cornucopia of problems, including heart disease, stroke, high blood pressure, dementia, and cancer. Talk about a pasta-bility for disaster, huh? On the flip side, eating better can help us keep our waistlines in check and feel like a million bucks—even if we don’t have a million bucks!

The “Whole” Truth About Eating Healthy

Now, let’s taco ’bout the basics of healthy eating. In a fast-paced world filled with social media influencers touting the latest diet fads, it can feel like we’re wandering through a veggie labyrinth. But fear not! The fundamentals remain constant — a healthy diet is as simple as pie (but let’s save pie for special occasions, shall we?).

Here are some “pear-fect” tips to chew on:

1. Fruits and Vegetables Galore!

Make it a habit to add fruits or veggies to every meal. Whether fresh, frozen, or canned (just watch out for the sodium and sugar), they’re essential! A salad a day keeps the blandness away!

2. Whole Grains for the Win!

Ditch the white bread and embrace whole grains. 100% whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, and more will have you singing, “You grain my life!”

3. Stay Hydrated with Healthy Drinks!

Choose unsweetened beverages like water, tea, or fizzy flavors. Sugary sodas could lead you to a "fizzical" condition you might not want to have—water is definitely the most refreshing choice!

4. Healthy Fats, Oh My!

Swap out butter and lard for canola or olive oils. Just like a superhero with a cape, healthy fats can save the day!

5. Moderate Fast Food and Processed Snacks!

They’re the quick fix we love, but too much fast food can turn us into couch potatoes. "Lettuce" limit them to maintain our health!

6. Protein with a Purpose!

Instead of red or processed meats, opt for lean proteins like chicken, fish, or beans. Consider it a “legume-ning” to a better you!

7. Alcohol Awareness!

If you’re sipping, remember that nothing beats zero. Alcohol has its risks, so non-alcoholic alternatives can be your undercover agents in hydration!

Take Your Time – Rome Wasn’t Built in a Day!

Remember, embarking on a healthier eating journey is not like a race; it’s more like a leisurely stroll through a farmers’ market! You can start off small — maybe incorporate one or two changes at a time, and soon enough, you’ll be a healthy-eating pro!

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, a titan in cancer prevention and an associate director at the Siteman Cancer Center, emphasizes that one of the most powerful tools we have for improving our health is also one we use every day — our forks and knives!

So as National Nutrition Month rolls along, let’s embrace the opportunity to freshen up our food choices. Don’t forget to sprinkle in some fun and laughter along the way, because a happy heart is just as important as a healthy one!

Happy munching, everyone! 🍏🥦🥕

Healthy Eating: Simple Steps for a Better Future