We know it’s only the first day of February, but March will be here in a flash, and this year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Get Your Plate in Shape”. Throughout the month, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to incorporate a variety of foods from all of the food groups based on this central theme. One crucial component to keeping your plate in shape is eating foods that you enjoy while being mindful of portion sizes and overall calories. Eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures, but in order to maintain a healthy weight, we need to remain aware of just how much we eat each day. Academy Spokesperson Marjorie Nolan shares some practical ways to eat fewer calories while savoring your food:

1. Know your needs – Find your personal daily calorie quota by going to www.myplate.gov, and keep this number in mind while planning your meals and snacks each day. A simple way to do this is by dividing your plate into quarters, one each for fruit, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Don’t forget to put a low-fat source of dairy on the side, such as milk, yogurt, or cheese. Remember, you don’t have to count calories precisely, but using your quota as a starting point to figure out how many calories you need to maintain or lose weight is an excellent idea.
2. Slim down your plates and portions – The dinner plates in your kitchen are probably around 10 inches in diameter, so try switching to 8-inch or appetizer-sized plates and you will automatically portion and consume less food at each meal without feeling deprived. Pile your plate with lower-calorie, nutrient-dense foods such as fruit, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains. Thinking about all of the delicious and healthy foods you can have, as opposed to the ones that you’re trying to limit, will help you to appreciate every bite.
3. Take charge in the kitchen – Cooking at home not only allows you to balance what’s on your plate, but also lets you control the amount of fat, sodium, fiber, and overall nutrition in your meals while remaining mindful of calories. When you do decide to enjoy a meal at a restaurant, you’ll be better able to recognize appropriate portions and healthy options since you’ve been practicing in your own kitchen. Even when eating out, still aim to include plenty of the healthy stuff, prepared in ways that will keep calories in check such as steaming, baking, grilling, or broiling.
4. Watch out for liquid calories – We love a piping hot caramel macchiato as much as the next girl, but that doesn’t mean they are a regular part of our diet. The calories in fruit juices, sports drinks, sugar-laden coffee beverages, and soft drinks can add up quickly. Think that cosmopolitan is much healthier than your morning mocha? Not true, so be wary of alcoholic beverages as well. Remember to drink alcohol sensibly by capping it at one drink per day for women, and two drinks per day for men.
5. Log in – Food logging can be a very helpful tool for those looking to lose or maintain their weight as it allows you to keep track of exactly what you eat and stay within your calorie limit. Write down what you’re eating throughout the day, so it doesn’t seem like such a big task to tackle or remember all at once. There are many free online counters that will enable you to log, count, analyze, and track your daily diet and physical activity.
Remember, focus on incorporating fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy each day, and keep a rough estimate of your total calories so that you do not exceed your limit. Try to focus on the big picture, making good choices day after day that will add up over time and allow you to genuinely enjoy what you eat. For more about National Nutrition Month and ways to “Get Your Plate in Shape” log on to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at www.eatright.org
If you’d like Family Food to help you get your plate in shape, feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail, or leave us a message on Facebook or Twitter. Depending on your insurace, you could be eligible for SIX FREE VISITS with one of our registered dietitians!
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

JEANETTE

I had a great 1st visit with the nutritionist. I went to get tips on changing by diet, but got much more. I was able to set a physical activity and nutrition goal. The nutritionist was knowledgeable and helpful.

I am so grateful for the stellar support and advice provided by Meghan, the dietitian I'm working with. She is both knowledgeable and kind, and it's a deeply productive journey. Thank you."

MICHELLE
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Consulting with a Family Food nutritionist is turning out to be helpful in my effort to live healthy. The consultations are a way of having a sense of accountability and I get helpful feedback on my dietary decisions.

STAN
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Great nutrition experts who inspire you! I am happy with the nutrition specialists at Family Food. They make me excited about nutrition, answer all my questions, and provide excellent recommendations! Thank you!!

AS
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Very professional experience. I felt she listened to my needs and adjusted to personalize my nutrition needs.

L
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My initial appointment was helpful - helped me consider new ways of addressing some problem areas for me and helped set attainable, concrete goals.

CHARLOTTE
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Insightful and Informative. She was very attentive and helpful. She gave excellent tips on what to do and eat to meet my goal weight.

TRACEY-ANN
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I feel confident about the changes we made to my goals and look forward to implementing them into my everyday routine. The health adviser was very helpful and didn't make me feel shameful for not meeting all my previous goals.

ERICA
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I highly recommend Family Food. The nutritionist, Erika is helpful and provides great information and positive feedback.

KELSHA
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I had an excellent experience with the representative from Family Food. She really read into what I was telling her and offered excellent advice that I am already able to implement after one visit. She also helped to make the best use of the hour long session. Very good time management!

AB
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I met with a dietician for the first time and I had an idea of what to expect but I find this to be an invaluable resource because I have already received great ideas of things to use for meal planning and I also received more information of how to read nutrition labels. I am looking forward to my next appointment.

SHANA
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I really enjoyed my first session with Christine. She provided me with a lot of solid information on issues I was not aware of and positive reinforcement for behaviors I have already engaged in. I outlined specific goals I would like to work on with her guidance and she gave me some initial steps to start. I found what she had to say respectful of the space I am in and cognizant of obstacles to making lifestyle and lifelong changes.

LYNN
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I walked in without any specific questions/concerns, and my counseling was well-guided and ended up helping me see specific small changes that I can make to keep me on-track with my nutrition goals. Solutions fit my lifestyle and were not cookie-cutter, which is fantastic. I was able to start making improvements immediately. Thank you!

KAYLEY
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I am finding the sessions helpful and a good way to talk through improving habits and making better food choices.

ANDREA
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I am very happy this program exists. It has been very helpful and informative. My deitition is very nice and intelligent I am happy to have her help and support.

ATTANYA
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The Family Food blog

The most reliable evidence-based nutrition information on child and adult nutrition.

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