Get your Plate in Shape – celebrate National Nutrition Month

Celebrate this year’s National Nutrition Month and its 2012 message – Get Your Plate in Shape! We might think we’re eating more or less okay but there’s always room for improvement, right?

If you can teach your kids at a young age to value fresh produce and color – how much simpler life would be when they get to be adolescents? And, if they can work with you, side by side, and smell that earthy aroma while planting this tiny seed which will grow into a tomato vine, wouldn’t they be more likely to want to eat tomatoes for dinner?

Some tips we’d like to share with you in this year’s Get Your Plate in Shape which we obviously love is to make half your plate fruits and vegetables. Imagine the satisfaction that we get just by hearing those magical words? And what better time than now – our winter season, where we’re brimming with such a variety of dark, green leafy vegetables, fresh herbs such as cilantro, dill, parsley, our delicious beets that can be used for savory or sweet dishes.

You know, what we really love about nutrition is that the foods we should be consuming, like vegetables, fruits, whole grains, low-fat dairy products and lean protein foods contain the nutrients you need without too many calories. And, most of us are trying to either maintain or lose weight in this nation.

Besides food, we obviously need to be active. Of course, that’s simple for us to say because working on a farm allows us the joy to be outdoors and naturally move around. According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, their message is to pick activities that you like and start doing what you can – even ten minutes a day is better than being a couch potato! Then gradually add more minutes to your fitness plan. For your kids and teens, make sure they’re getting at least one hour of activity every day while adults should strive for at least thirty to sixty minutes most days of the week, especially if you’re trying to get into that special dress or suit for that upcoming party!