Build a healthy diet from ground up

The Franklin County Health Department is celebrating March as National Nutrition Month and Registered Dietitian Day on March 10. National Nutrition Month is sponsored each year by the American Dietetic Association to encourage people to focus on eating better.

This year’s theme is “Nutrition from the Ground Up,” a great reminder for eating fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts and beans to create a healthy diet.

National Nutrition Month is a good time to take a good look at your current diet. Start off slowly and make changes to work towards a healthier lifestyle. Try getting the most nutrition out of your calories. Choose foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients - and lower in calories.

Healthy eating tips.

• Emphasize fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat milk and milk products.
• Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts.
• Eat foods low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars.
• Be aware of portion sizes.

For more tips on building your healthy diet from the ground up, contact the Leon County Health Department at 850-606-8300 and ask to speak to a nutritionist or visit www.eatright.org or www.mypyramid.gov to make your own healthy plan.