The Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics has an initiative called “The Total Body Diet Lifestyle.” The idea behind this initiative is to embrace a healthy way of living for permanent, lasting changes to improve health and wellness. This “diet” is about making a sustainable lifestyle that encompasses adding beneficial foods and creating positive behaviors to improve the quality of life.
The three principles include:
- Balance your diet with foods from all the food groups.
- Get active every day with enjoyable movement.
- Make mental health a priority by fostering a positive attitude.
Some tips to get your started:
- Set one realistic health and wellness goal today (make your goal something you can easily achieve).
- Add at least one meatless day into your week (add lots of colorful vegetables).
- Fuel yourself with quality carbohydrates such as fruit, vegetables and whole grains.
- Add beneficial fats from nuts, seeds, fish and avocado.
- Fill your home with healthful foods. For snacks and sweets, pickup these items just when you what to consume them.
- Stay hydrated by drinking water and carry a reusable water bottle so you always have water on hand.
- Make physical activity part of each day. Choose activities that you enjoy and can do regularly.
- Focus on foods that add dietary fiber such as vegetables, fruit, whole grains, nuts, seeds, beans, peas and lentils.
- Establish a good sleep routine. Aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night. Children need more sleep. Check out my previous article called “Get Sleeping.”
- Remember to enjoy life by living and eating well!
Adapted from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics.
