And if the motivation you had at the beginning of the year to eat healthier is starting to slip, this is the perfect time to refocus your efforts. Start by following a few of these easy-to-implement nutrition tips.
1-Minute Tip: Start your morning with lemon water. Try a warm glass of water with fresh-squeezed lemon juice first thing in the morning. After a long night of sleeping with no hydration, a glass of warm lemon water can help rehydrate the body and help flush the digestive system. There is evidence that lemon water can help give your liver -- which works very hard during sleep -- a natural flush while also providing the body with some vitamin C and potassium.
5-Minute Tip: Consider what foods you already have. Before making your grocery list, check what foods you already have in your fridge or pantry. This is not only a good way to save money, but will also ensure that you’re not wasting food that you already have. If what you have on hand are healthy choices – make a plan to include some of those items in your meal prep for the week.
15-Minute Tip: Find a registered dietitian nutritionist. One of the key messages for this year’s National Nutrition Month is that consulting with a nutritionist can help you construct a personalized eating plan and help you better understand the benefits of healthy eating.
30-Minute Tip: Do a “meal prep” before the week begins. Planning and preparing key meals and snacks before you start the week is a great way to avoid hunger and poor, last-minute eating choices. It may sound overwhelming, but taking some time on a Sunday afternoon to plan and pre-package meals with proper portion sizes can do wonders.
This article first appeared in the March 2018 edition of the HealthPerks newsletter.
