March Is National Nutrition Month®
Healthy eating includes making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. Results of healthy eating include feeling great, having more energy and staying healthy. Healthy eating can also result in weight loss and lowering high blood pressure and high cholesterol.
Embracing healthy eating habits is not always easy—changing old habits can be challenging. The key is to make one healthy change at a time, implementing it into your daily life. Once it becomes part of your routine, implement another change.
According to ChooseMyPlate.gov, your plate should be half fruits and vegetables, one quarter lean protein (e.g., chicken, fish) and one quarter whole grains (e.g., brown rice).
Healthy eating habits are especially important for stroke survivors, because as many as 34 percent suffer from malnutrition, meaning they don’t get enough vitamins and minerals from the food they eat. Consider these things when evaluating your diet:
- Eat a variety of foods every day
- Eat natural foods in all different colors
- Eat several servings of fruits and vegetables every day
- Include enough fiber
- Keep your sodium and fat intake low
- Eat smaller meals but eat more often
The sooner you embrace healthy eating habits, the easier it will be to maintain them throughout your life. Remember to make one small change at a time—setting goals in small increments can be helpful. And remember to celebrate your successes!
Meet Our Ambassador
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Jim and his wife, Jackie, made lifestyle and nutrition changes as a family after Jim’s stroke. |
| Jim and Jackie |
Resources
Watch Jim’s video and learn how making small changes can improve your well-being.
» Read Recovery After Stroke: Healthy Eating
» Watch iHOPE: Nutrition Post-Stroke
Faces of Stroke campaign is supported by funding provided by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Allergan, Inc., Medtronic, Inc., Avanir Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Acorda Therapeutics, Inc., and Genentech Inc.
