innovations / national nutrition month
Nourish yo
Nutritional Food Fuels
ur body
Good Health
and well-being
Your body thanks you every time you make healthy choices. Good, nutrient-rich food is an important foundation to better health. March is National Nutrition Month – a good time to think about nourishing our bodies with healthy foods. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics highlights how eating well not only supports our physical health but every aspect of our being. Mental health has become an important issue, and what we eat can impact our mental wellness. This month, we focus on topics to help us stay robust in body, in mind and in spirit.
We asked our dietitians to share some tips for maintaining a positive mental outlook this month:
STRESS BUSTERS MICHAEL DIBIASI, UNIVERSITY OF PITTSBURGH
Stress is everywhere. It is important to learn how to reduce stress levels safely and effectively. Since our food of the month is tea, there is no better item to feature for stress relief and mood elevation.
Tea ces
redu
stress
ut Food is abo
Tea comes from a plant called Camellia Sinensis, and it is the second most popular beverage in the world behind water. Tea has long been consumed for its calming effects on the body and mind. Tea catechins, or antioxidants such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that is found heavily in green teas, may have a pivotal role in reducing free radical build up and the inflammatory process due to stress. EGCG may also aid in the calming sensation when consuming tea. Other ingredients like L-theanine, an amino acid found in teas, may also play a role in alertness and cognition like caffeine without the stimulatory effect. Tea can be a great addition to anyone’s lifestyle. Try consuming 1 to 2 cups per day and enjoy all the many flavors tea can provide!
the journey
MINDFUL EATING LISA CARLSON, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY
My tip is about Mindful Eating. This is the concept of paying attention to your food and eating with compassion rather than judgment. When we slow down, remove distractions (like cell phones), and focus on colors, Slow dow textures and tastes on our plate, we can enjoy our food and pay enjoy a m n, eal attention to our hunger and fullness. By doing this, we are less likely to restrict or overeat. Developing a healthy relationship with food is all about the journey … and the joy is in the journey.
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CHARTWELLSMONTHLY.COM | MARCH 2022
without distract ions
