This post is part of the Ultimate Guide to a Healthy Lifestyle
March means spring is just around the corner, the madness of basketball is in full gear and it’s National Nutrition Month®. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, “the theme for 2016 is ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right,’ which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives.”
Choose the right food
Dr. Eric Monesmith, OrthoIndy total joint replacement specialist, recommends starting by avoiding processed, grain based carbohydrates. Eating carbs is convenient. A lot of restaurants offer bread while you wait for your meal. Avoiding grain based carbohydrates when possible will help to maintain a healthier nutrition balance, reduce inflammation and improve overall stomach health.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends developing a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods. How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat.
However, while healthy living begins with proper nutrition, to maintain a healthy lifestyle you have to make healthy choices more often than just at the dinner table.
Get enough sleep
“Getting seven to eight hours of sleep every night is very important to maintain a healthy lifestyle,” said Dr. Monesmith. “Additionally, you should avoid electronic screen time prior to going to bed. Not only will you be able to get more sleep but you will also improve the quality of your sleep.”
Exercise
Daily physical activity is vital to a healthy lifestyle as well.
“I recommend finding time to ‘play’ everyday by making exercise fun,” said Dr. Monesmith. “You should also engage your brain daily. Starting a new hobby is a fun way to do this.”
Fun physical activity ideas include: cycling, Zumba, group exercise classes, joining an intramural team, water sports and outdoor hiking. Brain engaging activities include: reading a book, doing crosswords, solving a puzzle or learning to play an instrument. That’s just to name a few!
Schedule an appointment
Your well-being is important to us. Click the button below or call us to schedule an appointment with one of our orthopedic specialists. If your injury or condition is recent, you can walk right into one of our OrthoIndy Urgent Care locations for immediate care. For rehabilitation and physical therapy, no referral is needed to see one of our physical therapists.
