How you eat is just as important as what you eat, according to Marie Traynor, Registered Dietitian and Public Health Nutritionist.
March is Nutrition Month, an annual celebration by the Dietitians of Canada. The theme this year is: ‘More than Food: How you eat is important too!’
Traynor says there are four key habits that make eating more enjoyable: be mindful, cook at home often, enjoy your food and eat meals with others. She noted it’s important to sit down for meals and snacks, take the time to eat and avoid distractions like screens.
Traynor explained that Health Canada released its new food guide last year, based on the healthy plate model. She says a well balanced meal is ½ vegetables and fruit, ¼ protein and ¼ whole grains.
Traynor noted that building connections is a good way to change eating habits, by making meals special, such as scheduling a lunch date with friends or planning a weekly dinner with family.
She explained when you’re eating with others, you get to share food traditions across generations and cultures, which allows you to try some new foods.
In conjunction with Nutrition Month, March 18 is Dieticians Day. Traynor says dieticians are a trusted source of credible nutrition information.
To learn more about healthy eating, click here.