March is National Nutrition Month! When you make small purposeful changes in fueling and treating your body, you will eventually see meaningful results. Here are three small shifts to get started:

• Challenge yourself to read Nutrition Facts Panels. These can normally be found on the packaged goods that you buy (see photo below). Reading these labels can be a great way to make smart food decisions. You may be surprised to learn just how much-added sugars or sodium is in the foods that you normally purchase. You may also find that some foods contain certain ingredients that aren’t familiar to you. In these cases, you can compare the Nutrition Facts Panel on one item to another and find food that you feel better about choosing!
• Learn some new kitchen skills! If you are someone that does not always feel confident in the kitchen when it comes to cooking healthy meals, National Nutrition Month can be just the boost to take on a new skill. Little changes lead to big results, and you are sure to gain new knowledge each time you put on your apron. Here are some simple recipe ideas to get you started:
  • Homemade Veggie Pizza
  • Vegetarian Tacos with Homemade Salsa

• Develop the skill of meal planning this month. Planning out your meals can be a small shift with big rewards. Having a plan in place can save you time and money throughout the week by reducing the temptation to go out to eat. It will also help you make informed decisions about your food choices no matter the setting! Try taking time this weekend to plan out meals for two or three days in the coming week. Commit to doing this for each week during the month of March and see for yourself how freeing it can be to know what the dinner plan is before anyone asks. Read more about meal planning here!
  

This month will take on the meaning that you give it through the healthy food and lifestyle choices that you make. Remember, deciding to take the first step is already a win! You are off to a great start! Learn more about this annual campaign and ways to get involved: https://sm.eatright.org/NNMinfo

Written by Darci Bell, RDN, LD, Ph.D. Student | Edited by Laurel Sanville, MS, RDN, LD