Observing National Nutrition Month can lead to healthier year Published March 16, 2010 By Julie Anderson Peterson Health and Wellness Center PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- March is National Nutrition Month and the theme is "Nutrition from the Ground Up." The goal of the observance is to encourage people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating habits. Julie Anderson, Health and Wellness Center dietitian, offers the following suggestions to improve your nutrition. Plan Planning meals and snacks can help you eliminate eating expensive, convenient foods. It might take a little more time, but preparing meals on the weekends and taking healthy snacks to work, you will not only be healthier, but you will save money on food. Test your taste buds A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy. It also includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things. Expand your horizons. Make calories count Stock your refrigerator and pantry with healthier foods. When people are hungry, they tend to eat what's closest to hand. So, make certain you have healthy options when you need a quick snack or meal. Look for nutrient-rich options to get the most out of the calories you consume by looking for lower-calorie foods laden with vitamins, minerals and fiber such as fruits and sliced raw vegetables. Buy in season Fresh fruits and vegetables go a long way toward helping you eat healthier and save money. From farmer's markets to community-supported agriculture to a garden in your back yard, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in Colorado Springs. This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time. Make it a family affair Institute a regular family meal time to help model healthy eating behaviors and teach children about nutrition. Stay active In addition to eating right, you can also improve your health by exercising. Remember that every little bit helps, and every little bit helps burn calories and improve your metabolism. Celebrate National Nutrition Month with the HAWC Nutrition Be Ready class - 8 to 9 a.m. March 25 Nutrition Activated - 2 to 3 p.m. March 25 Healthy Cooking Demo - 6 p.m. March 25 Commissary Tour -7:30 to 8:30 a.m. March 26 Heart Health Class - 8 to 10 a.m. March 31 Sign up for classes at the HAWC, Building 560 or call 556-4292.