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Health Promotion Flight encourages Team Scott to eat right

  • Published
  • Health Promotion Flight
SCOTT AIR FORCE BASE, Ill. --  March is National Nutrition Month and this year's theme, "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right," reminds us to develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods, while also taking the time to enjoy everything that a healthful and tasty meal brings with it, according to Evelyn Crayton, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics president.

The Academy of Nutrition emphasizes balancing food and beverages within an individual's energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food or meal. It is their position that improving overall health requires a lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors by maintaining enjoyable eating practices and regular physical activity.

This past December, new dietary guidelines for Americans were released. These guidelines provide overall goals and key recommendations for the American diet. For this month's observation, the focus will be sodium and saturated fats. Along with sugar, we find that the majority of Americans follow a diet that is too high in these components.

2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines recommends consuming fewer than 2,300mg of sodium per day and reducing saturated fat intake to less than 10 percent of calories per day. Individuals can incorporate these recommendations by creative use of herbs and spices. Since the goal is to cook with less sodium and fat, using herbs and spices can offer a real flavor advantage.

During March, Health Promotion will share on their Facebook page more information on use of herbs and spices plus flavorful recipes for Scott Air Force Base personnel and their families to enjoy. For more info, contact the Health Promotion Flight at 256-7139.