Fill Your Plate With Good Health! | AFC Urgent Care Memphis

March is National Nutrition Month, designed to bring awareness to healthy eating.

In recognition of this month, our team at AFC Urgent Care Memphis wants to offer you some tips on how you can improve your eating habits and get the nutrients you need. Let’s take a look:

Not All Fat Is Bad Fat

Do not be scared to add fats into your diet. The trick is that you want to incorporate healthy fats.

You want to limit saturated fat in your diet, but include a small amount of healthy fats, such as those found in:

• Olive oil
• Nuts
• Seeds
• Certain types of fish
• Avocados

Reduce Your Sodium Intake

When it comes to healthy eating, remember that moderation is key. That’s especially true when it comes to sodium, since too much salt can increase your blood pressure and, therefore, increase your risk for heart disease and stroke.

According to the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, American adults should have less than 2,300 mg of sodium per day, or approximately one teaspoon. However, most people living in the United States are consuming about 3,400 mg, which is way over the limit.

Think beyond the salt shaker when it comes to lowering your sodium intake. Most of the sodium in our food is hidden instead processed foods and restaurant meals.

Make Your Plate Colorful

Taste the rainbow is right! By adding a variety of color into your diet, you can be sure that you are getting the nutrients you need.

Include a good blend of colorful foods that are good sources of vitamins, minerals and fiber in your diet, such as:

• Dark, leafy greens
• Oranges
• Onions
• Tomatoes
• Grapes
• Berries
• Eggplant

Have you had your annual wellness exam yet for the year? Visit AFC Urgent Care Memphis today for a wellness check and to discuss how your eating habits can help improve your health!