Although it may not feel like it with our frigid Minnesota weather, March is here and spring is right around the corner. March is National Nutrition Month, and it is the perfect time to “spring” into action and take control of your health. These days, the typical American diet is not very healthy, so we put together a few simple steps you can take to improve your nutrition as well as your loved ones’.
Include these–Try incorporating more fruits and vegetables as well as whole grains into your diet. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins and minerals as well as fiber to help keep everything moving throughout your system. The MyPlate program is a good informational guide to show you what you should be including in your diet. You can reference it at: http://www.eatright.org
Eliminate these–Get rid of the junk in your life. Do your best to cut processed, high-sodium, and fatty foods out of your diet for good. Cut back on how many meals you eat out or on-the-go. It is always best to have a homemade meal, so you know exactly what ingredients were used. Also, try avoiding large portions and over-sized meals. This will help you eliminate unnecessary calories.
Visit a Doctor or Dietitian–It is always a good idea to get advice from your health-care professionals when looking to change up your diet. If you are unsure of where to start, why not visit with them and they can get you started in the right direction. They may be able to help you put together a nutritional plan to keep your health in good condition.
If you or a loved one need a little assistance sticking to a nutritional plan, Senior Helpers of Burnsville is here to help. We have caregivers who can help keep you or your loved one on track by helping with meal planning as well as utilizing meal charts. They can also help with grocery shopping and transporting clients to and from doctor’s appointments. Senior Helpers will work with you to ensure you or a loved one’s nutritional needs are met. Find out more about our services by contacting us at: 952-892-8403.
Senior Helpers Minnesota 
Another great resource that is available in many areas of Minnesota is the Diabetes Prevention Program and the Diabetes Prevention Recognition Program. If you live in an area where there are Essentia Health medial facilities (hospitals or clinics) they have trained Lifestyle Coaches who can present the program at no cost to the participants. This program was developed by the CDC and has been used nationwide by various health care agencies, YMCAs and community organizations. I just know that in Minnesota Essentia runs it in many areas. The Minnesota Department of Health also has trained Lifestyle Coaches for the program and the I CAN PREVENT DIABETES program as well.