National Nutrition Month—What Does It Mean to You?

Think January is the big month for weight loss and resolutions? Think again. March conjures up images of pool parties to come, days at the beach and the purchase of a new bathing suit. What better reason to get in shape? Summer season=shed clothes so you want to feel good about yourself.

March is also National Nutrition Month and a super time to focus on eating more produce. Picking produce that is low in calories and high in nutrition can help you accomplish your weight loss goals for that new summer suit. Check your area for local produce that’s in season. Not only does it great taste but it’s easy on the budget.

For example, in Florida right now, you can find great strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage and some citrus. Most vegetables are very low in calories and a good way to push up your fiber intake. The more fiber you consume, the more full you will feel resulting in you eating less food. Hello weight loss.

In the last few years, we have seen an increase in the number of cases of food borne illness (food poisoning) from fruit and vegetables. To avoid this happening to you, start a few new habits in the kitchen (if you don’t practice these already):

Wash all of your melons (honeydew, cantaloupe, watermelon) to remove any bacteria on the outside. Otherwise when you cut the fruit with a knife, the bacteria is transferred to the inside of the melon.

Stay away from purchasing fruit that has broken skin. This cut is an opening for bacteria to make its way inside the fruit and make you sick.

Always wash your fruit and vegetables with plain water to remove dirt, pesticide residue, etc. on the outside. This is a good practice EVEN if you peel your fruit.

When preparing cabbage, lettuces, and other greens, remove the outer leaves first.

This one goes without saying, WASH your hands before you touch any food, particularly if you work in a home office and go into the kitchen for a snack. Your keyboard and mouse are a haven for germs that pass right onto the food you touch.

Dr. Susan