National Nutrition Month Intro!
It has been awhile since my last post, sorry. I was busy getting married (yes, my name is now Becky Bekka), enjoying newlywed life, and starting some new projects! Our wedding was amazing and everything I (we) always dreamed of! All of our closest friends and family traveled from all over the US to make our weekend extra special! We went to a wellness resort in Nicaragua for our honeymoon, which was perfect! There was no television, many hiking trails, and all of their food is grown locally! Plus it is located on a private beach, which was extremely quiet. We were able to get in some much needed R&R and come back feeling great! Below is one of my favorite pictures from our wedding! (I had to share at least one!)
Anyways, there has also been a lot going on in the nutrition world. March is National Nutrition Month and many RDNs (Registered Dietitian Nutritionists) have been busy getting ready! It is always a fun month because we are bringing new topics to the public eye and talking more about nutrition! Yes, we are a little nerdy and love food!. This year the topic is "Put Your Best Fork Forward." I am very excited about this topic because it is a nice reminder that the food we eat is our own decision and we have to make the decision to choose the right foods. We have the tools needed and food available to make the best choices, but it is up to us to make it happen.
Many of you may be asking what it means to "choose the right foods?" Start off by increasing your vegetables and fruit. This group of food is great because they do not require much prep and is something you can throw in your bag for a midday snack! They are filled with many different vitamins, minerals, and contain fiber and antioxidants! Our body needs these to fight off infections, keep our bowels regular, convert our food into energy, and keep our heart beating! Every fruit and vegetable contains different vitamins and minerals, which makes it very important to eat the rainbow! By eating many different colored fruits and vegetables you are providing your body with a wide range of vitamins and minerals.
According to the CDC, only 1 out of 10 Americans are eating enough fruits and vegetables. This is a place to start and where I always begin with my clients. Vegetables are wonderful because you can prepare them many different ways. They contain very little calories, but provide your body with many different nutrients. This is what we call a nutrient-dense food. By filling half your plate with
fruits and vegetables you can reduce the amount of calories you are consuming and increase your nutrient consumption. Due to the fiber they contain, it will help to keep you full longer! In addition to keeping you full, fiber helps to keep your bowels regular and helps to lower cholesterol!
This month I will be posting weekly on ways to "Put Your Best Fork Forward!" This week focus on your fruits and vegetables! Pack them as a snack, swap out a fruit for dessert, add them to your main dishes, and try out new recipes! You will be surprised at how this small change will affect your overall mood and energy level. Please comment below new recipes you have tried and new ways you incorporated fruits and vegetables this week!
If you are looking for a little more help on "Putting Your Best Fork Forward" please contact me, as I would love to work with you. contact@biteintonutrition.biz
