National Nutrition Month is celebrated in March, and to mark the occasion, several registered dietitians were asked for their top nutrition advice. Surprisingly, none of them recommended following a specific diet or restricting calories. Instead, their tips focused on adding more foods to your plate and building well-balanced meals. One common piece of advice was to eat more plants in any way possible, as they provide a wide range of health benefits, including aiding in the prevention and treatment of various diseases.
Another tip from registered dietitians is to change your thinking about processed foods. While many people believe all processed foods are unhealthy, the reality is that processed simply means prepared. Some processed foods, such as frozen fruits and vegetables, canned beans, yogurt, and tofu, can be quite nutritious and provide important nutrients that many Americans are lacking. However, it is important to distinguish between processed and ultraprocessed foods, as the latter can have negative health outcomes.
Following the MyPlate method is another recommendation from dietitians Jessica Jones and Wendy Lopez. This simple tool involves dedicating half your plate to non-starchy vegetables, a quarter to lean proteins, and a quarter to whole grains, while incorporating healthy fats. This method helps balance blood sugar levels, maintain energy levels, increase fiber intake, and ensure a variety of nutrients in your meals. It also focuses on adding to your plate rather than restricting foods.
Abby Langer, a registered dietitian, believes that nutrition should not be complicated and advocates for eating whole and minimally processed foods, including plenty of plants and fiber. She emphasizes the importance of enjoying food and eating a variety of foods. Cara Harbstreet, another registered dietitian, suggests ditching diet labels and adopting a flexible approach to eating based on lifestyle, taste preferences, and budget. She believes that nutrition is not black and white, and flexibility helps create a healthy mindset around food.
Registered dietitian Dalina Soto advises treating each meal as an opportunity to add more nutrition to your day. She encourages clients to think about nutrition from a culinary perspective and consider what fruit or vegetable could enhance a dish. Eating at a table with a plate and chair can also make the dining experience more mindful and joyful, as it encourages slower eating and thorough chewing. Finally, Christy Wilson, a registered dietitian, warns about misinformation surrounding food and nutrition, advising people to seek information from credentialed experts like registered dietitians. She also cautions against extremist terms and recommendations promising quick drastic changes to health or body.
