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For 2020, National Nutrition Month® (NNM) will focus on the theme “Eat Right, Bite by Bite”. Every NNM, we emphasize the importance of making informed food choices, along with sound eating and physical activity habits. At Mom’s Meals®, we emphasize the health and well-being of seniors, so we will reinforce “Eat Right, Bite by Bite” to encourage healthy eating for our clients.
The phrase “eat right” means choosing a variety of delicious foods that provide sufficient calories along with important nutrients to meet your lifestyle needs. “Eating right” is important at every age. During years of growth and development, choosing the right food is key to building strong bodies and developing brains, along with fuel to learn and be physically active. Seniors need to “eat right” too, especially when calorie needs decrease, but nutrient needs continue. So make those “bites count” by choosing foods that are healthy to keep vital systems working and immune systems strong.
“Bite by Bite” can refer to trying new or unfamiliar foods. Consider tasting some “bites” of new fruits and vegetables every season. Those foods “in season” are generally best in supply, quality and price. Consider trying “bites” or samples of bread and cereal products. Those that are whole grain provide the best nutrient value. When you are gathering with friends or family, have a “tasting party” and invite everyone to bring something new for the group to try. Those “bites” may lead to new food favorites!
“Bite by Bite” can also refer to making small bits or “bites” of changes in what we eat and drink every day. Are there ways to improve your daily eating habits? Do you eat breakfast? If you skip breakfast but are snacking frequently until your next meal, consider eating a light breakfast with protein to sustain you until lunch. That protein could be an egg, peanut or nut butter on toast, string cheese, or yogurt. Maybe you drink a lot of coffee or soda; consider reducing the amount or alternating with water instead. If you prepare a meal, plan for leftovers and freeze them to have another meal later with no effort; just remember to identify and date those meals. Make your “home delivered meals” more like homemade. After heating, portion onto your regular plate and enjoy every “bite” of your Mom’s Meals.
If “biting” or chewing becomes difficult, talk to your health care professional and visit your local dentist for a dental check-up. Problems with chewing can affect food choices and the desire to eat, so we encourage you to report any issues that affect your ability to chew and enjoy eating. Continue to brush, floss and visit the dentist regularly. Dentists monitor dental health, as well as other health concerns.
So, eating right counts. Every bite counts. Remembering to “Eat Right – Bite by Bite” will help keep you nourished and hydrated, with energy to do all that you enjoy while staying healthy and safe at home.
Mom’s Meals® can help
With nutritious ready-to-heat-and-eat meals conveniently delivered direct to homes, we take the guesswork out of eating better. Choose every meal, every delivery from our nine condition-specific menus that are nutritionally tailored to support common health conditions including heart disease, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.
Each delicious meal is designed by registered dietitians and professional chefs, and created in USDA- and FDA-inspected facilities — providing the highest level of compliance with federal regulations governing food production.
Source: National Nutrition Month® (Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics/ www.eatright.org) 2019
