Reusable Shopping Bags

Using reusable shopping bags is a great way to help the environment by decreasing the use of disposable plastic bags.  You can purchase them in the market, get them for free at many local fairs/events, and even find free bags online.  Many local markets even offer incentives for using reusable shopping bags.  While I highly recommend using reusable shopping bags, please read the article below from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, on the importance of cleaning the bags on a regular basis to prevent a potential food borne illness.

http://www.napsnet.com/articles/67857.html

Join CMWL for the Nutrition Support Group

Please join us tonight for the monthly nutrition support group. This is a great way to meet others who are also trying to lose weight and discuss your challenges, tools for success, and ways to make your favorite foods healthy. The support group will be led by Monika Kraus, MS, RD, LD, Nutritionist at CMWL.

Date: Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Time: 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Center for Medical Weight Loss
Topic:  The frustrations of eating healthy when everyone else around you ISN'T.

Go for a walk

The warmer weather and day light savings time have arrived in Raleigh. It is a great time to get outside and  go for a walk. Try walking for exercise, for pleasure, or just to get some fresh air. Try waking up ½ hour earlier in the morning to take a walk, go for a walk during your lunch break, or take a walk after dinner.

Attached is an interesting article that was posted in the NY Times on the importance of regular exercise.

http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2012/02/29/why-its-so-important-to-keep-moving/

Enjoy the warmer weather!

March is National Nutrition Month. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has promoted  the theme "Get Your Plate in Shape".

This is a great time to focus on healthy eating and making lifestyle changes to improve your health. A great way to get started is to focus on the “Plate Method” for eating. The plate method was developed by the USDA and shows how to make healthy food choices at meals.

An easy way to use the plate method

1.    Draw an imaginary line down the middle of your  9 inch dinner plate

2.    Put non-starchy vegetables and fruits on one half of the plate.

3.    On the other side of the plate, draw another imaginary line to cut that side in half.

4.    Fill one quarter of the plate with grains (1 slice of bread, ½ cup whole wheat pasta, ½ cup brown rice, or ½ potato).

5.    Fill the other quarter of the plate with a lean meat or meat substitute (chicken, fish, meat, beans, tofu, or eggs).

6.    Have an 8 ounce glass of low fat / nonfat milk, a non-fat yogurt, or a slice of cheese for dairy.

Some Additional Tips for Using the Plate Method

1.     Go to the ChooseMyPlate.gov website for more information about limiting fats, oils and added sugars.

2.    Be careful to not to overfill/pile high your plate (portion control is important).

3.    Try to eat a variety of different foods throughout the week to satisfy your palate and to provide your body with a variety of nutrients.

4.    Try a new fruit or vegetable to add to your plate each week. A variety of great produce are available in your local market.