To unlock the potential of food is really to unlock our own potential. From our skin, to our hair, to our waistline, to our energy, to our glow, to our focus, to our performance, to our health - it all starts with food. Food is a regular part of our every day, and yet when we are mindful about our food choices, it has an incredible power to heal, to nourish and to enhance lives.
In March, National Nutrition Month, Registered Dietitians (RDs) are featuring the potential of food to fuel, discover, prevent, heal and bring people together - and your dietitian is here to help you unlock it.
Tip #1 The Potential to Self Care
Simple creativity in the kitchen
There is an art to an elaborate menu, but simple kitchen skills allow us to be adaptive and resourceful. We have all had that night when we get home exhausted, somewhat frazzled, and miffed to discover a paltry selection upon inspection of the fridge. Knowing how to get creative with a salad or whip up a stir fry with whatever you have on hand shifts your instinct from delivery to DIY. Whether seasoned cook or novice, knowing how to improvise a simple, healthy, and tasty meal saves you money on takeout, and offers the opportunity to unwind in the kitchen while doing something good for yourself.
Tip #2 The Potential to Optimize
The right combination opens the lock
Low carb diets, Mediterranean diets, gluten-free, sugar-free? Figuring out the right diet to best suit your goals, preferences and physiology can be a challenge because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Certainly, whatever you may cut out of your diet, focusing your food choices on nutritious and unprocessed options lays the foundation for good health. Optimizing your health is knowing the right combination to unlock your own potential. Your dietitian will help you determine what exactly that looks like for you by personalizing a nutrition plan based on your individual needs, and helping you put it into action.
Tip #3: The Potential to Bring Us Together
Bringing connection to the table
Food has the potential to be about more than feeding ourselves. Sharing meals creates the possibility for dialogue and connection with other people. It’s an enriching experience for people of all ages, from children to older adults, and it actually helps us eat a more balanced diet. Adults who eat with friends and family tend to eat more vegetables and fruits, drink less pop and eat fewer meals at fast food restaurants. Sharing meals doesn’t necessarily mean a family dinner. Breakfast with your roommates, family brunch, a potluck dinner with friends, it all counts!