The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
March is Nutrition Month and Dietitians of Canada is placing the spotlight on food and nutrition. Dietitians across Canada are helping Canadians to take action to eat healthier, be more active and feel great. During March, Canadians are invited to make at least one positive change for themselves or their family. Whether at home, school, work or play, keep healthy food choices top of mind! Make the healthiest choice the easy choice. When choosing food, keep health in mind where ever you are. This can be difficult in our fast paced society. Try these tips: Choose nutrient-rich foods. Meet your need for vitamins, minerals and other nutrients by using CanadaÕs Food Guide to plan meals and snacks. On the go? Grab the right bite. Choose a shiny apple, a handful of unsalted nuts, a chunk of low fat cheese or a small bag of dry whole grain cereal for a quick snack. They pack a better nutrient punch than chips, candy or energy drinks. Add some variety. Try a new food from each food group. Make a difference in your community. Work with your local school, recreational facility and work place to help ensure healthy and tasty food choices are available. Tune in to moderation in serving sizes. The bigger the portion size, the more food you will eat. It is true! Often we donÕt even notice how much food is in a portion or how much we have eaten. Over the last 20 years, portion sizes have increased dramatically. Here are a few ways to be more aware of what or how much we eat: Listen to your body. Eat when you are hungry and stop when you are satisfied. Look at your portions. Our food portions now are now quite distorted. The common 591 ml bottle of juice has almost five servings of vegetables and fruit. A grain serving is only one half of a small whole grain bagel, not a whole bagel. Know serving sizes based on CanadaÕs Food Guide. If your portions are too big, cut back, but donÕt cut out food groups. Go to www.EATracker.ca and compare the portion sizes and foods you eat to those needed for your age and gender. The quality and quantity of foods we eat influences our overall health and vitality. Enjoy a variety of foods from each of the four food groups by using CanadaÕs Food Guide to plan meals and snacks. Go to Dietitians.ca/eatwell for trusted nutrition information and fun, healthy eating ideas, or contact your local public health nutritionist.
