According to a national survey by the American Dietetic Association, 21 percent of Americans think eating well takes too much time. Since college students lead such busy lives, time management is often a concern.
Today begins National Nutrition Month, which is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign concentrates on the importance of making wise food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
“Healthy eating gives you more energy and the physical well-being to help you stay healthy for today and the rest of your life,” said Minneapolis-based registered dietician and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Susan Moores, in a recent press release.
Moores offered several tips for National Nutrition Month 2004, including eating a sensible serving size, consuming more fruits and vegetables, expanding tastes and trying a new food or recipe.
“Purchase lean meats such as chicken or sirloin and place them in individual bags in the freezer for easy use during the week,” said Autumn Douglas, a registered dietician at the University’s Wellness Education Department.
Individuals who are obese have a 50 to 100 percent increased risk for premature death, according to the Surgeon General’s Call to Action.
Douglas also offered a healthy option for those who are vegetarians or do not prefer meat.
“Try a cup of pasta topped with red sauce and a few shakes of parmesan cheese for a quick meatless meal,” she said.
It is critical for students to eat a well-balanced breakfast, according to the American Dietetic Association. Research has shown that students who regularly eat a morning meal tend to perform better in school, often scoring higher on tests.
The American Dietetic Association said breakfast is the most important meal of the day, but is possibly the meal that is most often ignored or skipped. Eating breakfast helps to manage weight, provide the body with energy and concentrate better.
“Eating breakfast is very important for the brain and the body first thing in the morning,” said Los Angeles-based registered dietician and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, Gail Frank, in a recent press release.
Four out of 10 Americans say giving up foods is an obstacle to eating well, according to a national survey by the American Dietetic Association. However, it is not necessary to give up foods. Instead, people should eat higher fat or calorie foods in small amounts occasionally, Douglas said.
During March and year-round, think moderation– not elimination.
National Nutrition Month began in 1973 to promote healthy lifestyles by providing reasonable nutritious direction.