Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) March 15, 2016
Two out of 3 adults and nearly 1 in 3 young people are overweight or obese. March is National Nutrition Month which offers an opportunity for Americans to jump start eating nutritiously, says the Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE).
“Most typical American diets are too high in calories from solid fats and added sugars, refined grains, sodium, and saturated fat,” said Elaine Auld, CEO of SOPHE. “Weight loss is the most common New Year’s resolution made. But by March many people who resolved to lose weight have lost momentum and find themselves struggling.”
National Nutrition Month presents an opportunity for everyone to learn more about nutrition and try new and healthy foods.
Eating healthy foods can help you manage your weight and lower your risk of many chronic diseases like heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and cancer. People who develop healthy food habits are more likely to avoid illness, have more energy and lead active, enjoyable lives.
SOPHE offers 10 tips to help eat nutritiously:
1. Start breakfast with instant oatmeal & low-fat milk.
2. Skip the fast food drive through.
3. Keep low-fat yogurt, cheese and milk in your refrigerator.
4. Snack on fruits and vegetables.
5. Pack a healthy lunch and skip eating out.
6. If you eat out, split the meal or only eat half.
7. Eat thin crust pizza. Add veggies as toppings.
8. Limit meat, fish & poultry to 5 ounces.
9. Eat whole-grain breads.
10. Drink lots of water — 8 glasses a day!
“Many people who resolve to eat more nutritiously make radical changes to their diets,” said Auld. “But they often find that drastic changes are difficult to maintain. We encourage every American to make at least one positive healthy change this month and try it for 30 days. It can even save you money!”
It’s about empowering people and communities, says Auld. “We want to help communities, families and individuals overcome the barriers to good health,” said Auld. “It’s about making healthy living easier where people live, learn, work, and play.”
The Society for Public Health Education is partnering in a three-year nationwide project called the National Implementation and Dissemination for Chronic Disease Prevention, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There are 97 projects in communities across the nation assisting people and communities in living healthier lives. Learn more at http://www.Partnering4Health.org.
Infographic available: Download “Eat well. Spend less”
Follow #Partnering4Health
Media contact: Brigitte Johnson, APR, bjohnson(at)sophe(dot)org or 202.408.9804
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The Society for Public Health Education (SOPHE) is a nonprofit professional organization founded in 1950 to provide global leadership to the profession of health education and health promotion. SOPHE contributes to the health of all people and the elimination of health disparities through advances in health education theory and research; excellence in professional preparation and practice; and advocacy for public policies conducive to health. Visit http://www.sophe.org