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01 Ask Ottawa Experts
The 3 Most Important Things About Nutrition Food brings people together. Whether it’s at a holiday meal with your family, lunch with an old friend, or cake at a child’s birthday party, food dictates routine, energy, and balance. March is Nutrition Month, so we sat down with Registered Dietitian, Charlene Kennedy, to talk about the three most important things to consider if you’re ready to get serious about your nutrition.
Prioritizing healthy eating, even with a busy schedule According to Dietitians of Canada, almost half of all Canadians say that eating a balanced diet is challenging for them because they are so busy. Charlene discusses how planning ahead contributes to finding success with nutritional choices. “We schedule our kids hockey practices, yoga classes and dinners with friends. But don’t forget, we need to allow time in our week for meal planning, grocery shopping, meal prep as well as time to actually eat! My tip is to actually pencil these events into your calendar.“
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Protein Snacks Studies also showed that only 30% of Canadians snack to stay fuelled in a busy day. It is important to give your body the fuel it needs in order to stay energized and keep your mind working at its best. Charlene explains the importance of not just having a snack, but considering the components in what you’re
Charlene Kennedy Registered Dietitian
eating. “Make sure your snacks include a source of protein. This will help you stay full longer and have a better chance of making it to next meal without
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feeling famished.”