March is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month

This is the perfect time to take stock of your eating habits and make positive changes for a healthier lifestyle. This annual campaign, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits.

While radical diet changes may seem appealing for quick results, they’re often unsustainable. Instead, this National Nutrition Month, let’s focus on small, achievable steps that make a big difference over time.

Here’s how you can start eating healthier today:

  • The Power of Planning: Planning your meals and snacks in advance helps you make mindful choices and avoid unhealthy temptations when you’re hungry. Take some time each weekend to map out your meals and prep healthy options for the week.
  • Plate Power: Aim to fill half your plate with vibrant fruits and vegetables at every meal. These nutrient-dense foods add color, flavor, and essential vitamins and minerals to your diet.
  • Prioritize Protein: Include a source of protein in every meal and snack. This helps you feel satisfied, supports muscle health, and keeps your energy levels stable. Good protein sources include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, eggs, nuts, and seeds.
  • Whole Grains over Refined: Choose whole grains like brown rice, quinoa, whole-wheat bread, and oats over their refined counterparts. Whole grains are a fantastic source of fiber, helping keep your digestion on track and feeling full.
  • Rethink Your Drink: Quench your thirst with water instead of sugary drinks like soda, sweetened teas, and juices. Water plays a crucial role in hydration, digestion, and overall health. If you’re looking for more flavor, infuse your water with fruits, herbs, and vegetables.
  • Read Food Labels: Take a few minutes to review food labels. Choose options lower in saturated and trans fats, sodium, and added sugars. Pay attention to serving sizes as well.
  • Be Mindful of Portions: Use smaller plates and bowls and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. Eat slowly and avoid distractions while eating to fully savor your meals.
  • Cook at Home More Often: Cooking at home gives you control over ingredients and allows you to make healthier choices. Start with simple, nutritious recipes and gradually increase your confidence as you go.
  • Listen to Your Body: No diet plan or guideline works for everyone. Learn to listen to your body’s signals, pay attention to your energy levels, and adjust your habits accordingly.
  • Don’t be afraid to experiment: Try new recipes, explore different cuisines, and find healthy foods you genuinely enjoy.
  • Progress not perfection: Don’t get discouraged if you slip up. Simply get back on track with your next meal or snack.
  • Seek support: Speak with a registered dietitian nutritionist for personalized advice and guidance.

This National Nutrition Month, let’s embrace sustainable changes to create a healthier relationship with food. Small changes add up!

For more nutrition tips and mini daily challenges, download and print my 31-day Nutrition Calendar below

Healthy and happy eating!

xo,

Ally

Fuel Your Fitness with Trainest: Personalized Nutrition at Your Fingertips

Fuel Your Fitness with Trainest: Personalized Nutrition at Your Fingertips

Let’s be honest, the world of nutrition apps is overflowing with promises and features. But as someone who’s tried my fair share, I can tell you, finding the right one can be so challenging AND frustrating until I discovered the Trainest Nutrition Trackerr!

Here’s why Trainest has become my go-to health companion:

Forget generic calorie counters! Trainest offers a complete nutrition tracker that’s actually detailed. Plus, the food database is MASSIVE, and I love that they’re constantly adding new items based on user requests.  Also, if you’re like me and eat the same foods and meals often, you can save “My Food” and “My Meals” to easily select those items each day without manually entering them in each time!

Trainest is creating an immersive workout experience that puts expert support right at your fingertips. They’re also launching a certified trainer marketplace in mid-2024 with options to take part in workout programs and coaching plans. This means users will be able to connect with REAL, verified trainers who can offer personalized coaching and guidance, all within one app! No more switching between platforms or feeling lost in the fitness wilderness.

As a fitness trainer, I have clients that want to track their fitness and nutrition journeys. Coming soon, users will be able to track weight, body measurements, body composition, and even progress photos, all within the app. Motivation doesn’t get much better than that!

Trainest understands that progress isn’t just about numbers; it’s about the big picture. That’s why the progress section will soon integrate all of the user’s data – nutrition, workouts and check-ins – into one easy to navigate dashboard.

Your #1 Fitness & Nutrition App

The BEST part about Trainest is that it’s constantly evolving and will always be FREE! The team is passionate about listening to users and implementing features that will make the app even better. It’s like having a fitness buddy who’s always there to cheer you on, push you a little further, and help you celebrate every victory.

Check out this healthy and gluten-free banana muffin recipe to help kick off your health journey:

Download Trainest TODAY and join me on this incredible journey to a healthier, happier lifestyle!

Questions about Trainest? Check out their website HERE or feel free to or e-mail me at: Allison@allyfitatl.com

xo,

Ally

Nutrition and Portion Size: Why It Matters and How to Manage It

Nutrition and Portion Size: Why It Matters and How to Manage It

Taking care of your nutrition and portion size is essential for achieving optimal health and wellness. While we all know that eating a balanced and healthy diet is crucial, we may not realize that portion size also plays a significant role in our overall health. In today’s blog post, we will explore why portion size matters and how you can manage it to achieve your health goals.

Why Portion Size Matters

Portion size refers to the amount of food you consume in one sitting or meal. Eating too much food can lead to weight gain, which can increase your risk of chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer. On the other hand, not eating enough can lead to malnutrition and other health problems.

Managing Portion Size

Managing portion size doesn’t have to be difficult. Here are some tips to help you manage your portion sizes and improve your overall nutrition:

  1. Use Smaller Plates: Using smaller plates can make your food portions appear larger, which can help you feel more satisfied with your meal.
  2. Read Labels: Read nutrition labels to understand serving sizes and calories per serving. This can help you make more informed decisions about the foods you eat.
  3. Measure Your Food: Use measuring cups, spoons, or a food scale to measure your food portions accurately. This can help you avoid overeating and ensure that you’re consuming the appropriate amount of nutrients.
  4. Use Visual Cues: Use visual cues to estimate your portion sizes. For example, a serving of protein should be about the size of your palm, while a serving of carbohydrates should be about the size of your fist.
  5. Eat Mindfully: Eat slowly and mindfully, focusing on your hunger and fullness cues. This can help you avoid overeating and improve your digestion.
  6. Plan Your Meals: Plan your meals in advance and prepare healthy snacks and meals ahead of time. This can help you avoid making unhealthy choices when you’re short on time.
  7. Share Your Meals: When dining out, share your meals with a friend or family member. This can help you control your portion sizes and save money.

In conclusion, managing your portion sizes is an essential part of maintaining a healthy diet and achieving your nutrition goals.

With these tips, you can improve your nutrition and maintain a healthy weight, leading to a happier and healthier life. Remember, portion control doesn’t mean deprivation. It’s all about finding the right balance and enjoying your food in moderation.

Happy eating!

xo,

Ally