National nutrition month can be celebrated in so many different and fun ways! If you follow me on my social media each week this month I am focusing on a different topics around nutrition. Check it out below!
Carbohydrates
Why are they important?
They provide our bodies with the required and preferred energy.
What happens when we eat them?
Our bodies will break carbs down and use them for our current energy needs or store them for later when are energy levels may dip.
What are types?
Fruit, vegetables, candy, pastries, grains, beans, milk products.
What about Fiber?
It is important for our body (keeps us regular and provides us with fullness) Fiber is found in our fruits, veggies, whole grains and beans.
Protein
Why are they important?
Protein help us repair and build our muscles and help make hormones and enzymes.
What happens when we eat them?
Protein provides us with fullness and satiety. It also helps our hair, nails, bones and muscles to grow.
What are types?
Animal based: poultry, beef, seafood, pork, fish
Plant based: tofu, milk products, beans, lentils, eggs, nuts, seeds
Fat
Why are they important?
Dietary fats are essential to give your body energy and to support cell function. Fats help your body absorb nutrients and produce important hormones, too.
What happens when we eat them?
Fat provides us with satiety in our meals. If our meal or snack lack fat it might not feel as satisfying to us.
What are types?
All oil’s, avocado, nuts, seeds, nut butters, olives, cheese
I understand that diet culture puts a lot of emphasis on certain components more than others, you might also see other groups being feared more than other groups. But I am here to show you that each group is important independently and require to be used equally in order to feel satisfied.
I had also focused on micronutrients and the importance of these in our diets.
Why are they important?
Vitamins and minerals required for our body in small amounts. They make a big impact on all functions of our body.
What happens when we eat them?
We must obtain these from our food, since we can’t produce them. They are all in all of our food, thus why variety is key!
What are some of the functions?
Vital for brain health, immune function, energy function, etc.
What are some of the vitamins and minerals?
Vitamins: A, C, E, D, K, B’s
Minerals: Sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, etc.
I always love the month of March to celebrate national nutrition month and to take the time to learn new things and to guide others on the basics of nutrition.
