Nutrition can seem overwhelming, especially if you start thinking about all the numbers and words. Where do you start? Which information is most important? If you think that you will never be able to understand the Nutrition Facts Label without a nutritionist, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there are helpful resources available for free. They can help you receive a crash course on what everything means on the labels for your favorite foods.
We encourage you to be empowered. March is National Nutrition Month, and we hope you’ll follow along on this blog and walk away with helpful information to guide you in your decisions. The doctors at New England Podiatry Associates are ready to help.
Here are three ways to find the fun in nutrition:
Practice, practice, practice
It may take time to understand serving size or total sugars, and that’s OK. As time goes on, you may start to see patterns in certain foods. As you shop, look at the labels. Do you notice any common themes for certain foods? After grocery shopping, set aside a few food items and take notes about what you see.
Start the guessing game
If you’re wondering about the label, look for less added sugar, less saturated fat, and less cholesterol. Search for more dietary fiber and vitamins. Now, make it a game. Do you think a food item has more of the good stuff or the bad stuff? Start there and learn more about what makes a food best for your health.
Don’t do it alone
Tackling a new lifestyle can feel scary at first. However, starting a new adventure with a friend or a family member is much less intimidating. You have a built-in supportive partner to help you along the way. Find someone to commit to the nutrition journey with you. Check in about healthy eating habits and practice making decisions when out at restaurants. There is power in partnership.
Why is nutrition so important to us? Well, it includes not only choosing healthy food options but also healthy lifestyle choices. Between eating well and exercising more, we know how these habits can prevent common complications from conditions like diabetes or even heart disease. If you have foot pain or a condition related to diet complications, we’re here to help.
At New England Podiatry Associates, Dr. Ronald Etskovitz, Dr. Raymond Murano III, Dr. Catherine Jacobs, and Dr. Zachary Sax treat various conditions such as sports injuries, foot and ankle pain, pediatric foot care, ingrown toenails, and flat feet. Equipped with a board-certified podiatrist team, we offer two convenient locations to provide excellent care for patients in Norfolk, Suffolk, and Middlesex Counties. Contact our Chestnut Hill office at 617-232-1752 and our Newton-Wellesley office at 617-630-8280. We are still offering a telemedicine option for your safety and convenience.