National Nutrition Month

 March is National Nutrition Month! 

March is the month for good luck and good nutrition! 

Luckily, we are breaking down the nutrition basics here using our favorite guide -

The MyPlate

 

     

    

- Half of your plate should contain fruits and vegetables.

- Servings: 1.5-2 C/day  

- A great natural sweetener 

-Watch out for added sugar or syrup in canned and frozen options.

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- Variety is key! Eat the rainbow!

- Servings: 2-3 C/day 

- A great source for key vitamins and minerals 

- Watch out for excess sodium and fat in canned and frozen options. Opt for "No Salt Added" canned goods and frozen options without added seasonings/sauces.

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- Half of your grains each day should be WHOLE.

- Servings: 6-8 oz/day (example: 1 oz-equivalent = 1 slice of bread) 

- An excellent source of fiber

- Watch out for misleading labeling. Look for a "whole" grain first ingredient, NOT "refined" or "enriched".

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- Protein options such as poultry, fish, dry beans, peanut butter, and eggs contain less saturated (bad) fat, and should be consumed more regularly than red meats.

- Servings: 6oz/day (examples: 1T peanut butter & 1/4 C cooked beans = 1 oz, 1 egg = 2 oz)

- Watch out for serving sizes. A serving of meat is approximately the size of your palm. 

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- Dairy products are a great source of Calcium, Vitamin D, and protein.

-Servings: 3 C/day

- Watch out for added fat and sugar. Choose low-fat options and compare sugar content between brands, when possible. 

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