March is National Nutrition Month, and it’s the perfect time to rethink our dietary habits towards a healthier lifestyle. Josephine Quiocho, a nutrition educator from Cornell Cooperative Extension, recently shared some invaluable advice with Putnam County employees on making smarter food choices that everyone can follow. Instead of focusing on cutting out foods, she emphasized the importance of incorporating essential foods into our diet, notably vegetables and fruits, aiming for a diverse intake of five or more servings a day.
The conversation highlighted the significance of grains, protein, and dairy, directing individuals to www.MyPlate.gov for guidance on creating a well-balanced meal. This advice is built upon a long history of nutritional guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which has evolved from the first dietary guidelines published in 1894 to today’s MyPlate model introduced in 2005.
In addition to healthy eating, Quiocho encourages exploring delicious and nutritious recipes, challenging the notion that eating well has to be dull or flavorless. With a wide array of recipes available on MyPlate.gov and www.nutrition.gov, there’s no shortage of tasty options to explore, including the idea of embracing Meatless Mondays as a way to introduce variety and reduce meat consumption.
As we observe National Nutrition Month, let’s embrace these simple yet effective steps towards better health, proving that a balanced diet can also be delightful. For more details on making the shift to healthier eating habits, visit the original article on Putnam County’s website.