March is National Nutrition Month and this year the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages everyone to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.”
Too often, people mindlessly eat and don’t really taste the flavors of their food. Slowing down and appreciating all the flavors of food and beverages helps prevent overeating and increases the pleasure of eating.
Today, less time is spent purchasing, preparing, eating and enjoying food. How is all this fast-paced eating affecting us? Unfortunately, research shows that people who eat quickly are more likely to be overweight than those who eat slowly. It takes about 20 minutes for the brain to get the signal of what has been eaten. Eating slowly allows one to feel full while eating fewer calories. If you’re feeling stuffed after a meal, you’ve eaten more than your body actually needs, which may lead to weight gain.
Eating slowly helps you fully enjoy each bite, sensing flavors and textures and increasing satisfaction. When you eat, focus on eating instead of multi-tasking. Chew foods thoroughly and put utensils down in-between bites. Savor the flavor of healthy eating and enjoy your meals more for better health.
Visit the WMHS cafeteria during March for free nutrition information, tastings and giveaways from WMHS registered dietitian nutritionists. Buy fruits and veggies in the cafeteria during March and enter to win healthy gift baskets at the cash registers.
Join WMHS Dietitians on March 31 for a fun-filled food demo that will feature basic recipes with less than 10 ingredients that you can duplicate at home. The demo will be held in WMHS auditoriums 5 & 6 showcase a simple and healthy breakfast and dinner. There will be taste samples for all who attend. Seating is limited, so registration is required. Two sessions are available to choose from: 11:45-12:15 OR 12:30-1:00 pm. For more information or to register, call Jen Thomas in Wellness at 240-964-8417 or email jmthomas@wmhs.com. See brochure here: https://www.wmhs.com/employees/news.php?ID=165
For more nutrition information, visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ two websites, www.eatright.org or www.kidseatright.org, which include practical articles, recipes, videos and educational resources that promote good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle. For interactive National Nutrition Month games, visit www.nationalnutritionmonth.org/nnm/games.
