Kicking off National Nutrition Month

When you think of March, what comes to mind? March Madness, College basketball? St. Patrick’s Day, Corned Beef and Cabbage? The Ides of March?

My little reminder!

Here at Maine SNAP-Ed March is all about National Nutrition Month!

This month’s theme is “Put Your Best Fork Forward.” While we aim for everyone to think about eating healthy and being active all year round, this month we are focusing on sharing quick tips to shop, cook, and eat healthy while staying within your budget.

Our first tip of the month will get you and your family started to eating healthier by making a plan!

Our Nutrition Educators hear from their class participants that they are most likely to eat healthier when they have a plan, and stick to it.

So how do you make a plan for eating healthy?

First, you have to figure out what you want to accomplish, for yourself and your family – do you want to spend less on groceries? Do you want to waste less food? Do you want more variety in your meals? Or do you want your kids to be more involved with meal planning or cooking (or complain less at mealtime)?

Take the time to think about what eating habits you would like to change. Whatever your goal is, keep it simple.

Once you have a goal in mind, write it down!

Stick it to the fridge, put it next to the TV, or anywhere that you and your family will see it, at least once a day. My goal for this month is to use a list when I hit the grocery store. This will save me time and money!

You would think this would be easy for someone who loves to grocery shop as much as I do, but it isn’t. I often go to the grocery store without a plan for the week and just shop. BAD IDEA!

So, I wrote my goal on a sticky note and put it on the window by my kitchen sink. I won’t be able to do any dishes without seeing it. I will keep you posted on how I’m doing with my goal throughout the month.

So what’s your goal for eating healthier?

We would love to hear from you! Send us an email mainesnap-ed@une.edu or post a comment on our SNAP-Ed Facebook page!

We’re here to support you!

Stay tuned to our blog and Facebook page to learn small changes you can make to live healthier without breaking the bank.