Three ways to cultivate a healthy connection between food and your life

March marks the transition from winter to spring, where we look forward to warmer weather. We also observe and celebrate National Nutrition Month® (NNM) in March as well. What was once a one-week health awareness campaign expanded to the whole month in 1980, reflecting a growing interest in nutrition and its impact on well-being.

On the heels of last year’s “Beyond the Table” NNM theme is this year’s “Food Connects Us.” That’s because food connects us to our health, environment, friends, family and much more. Here are three ways you and your employees can deepen a healthy connection between food and other aspects of your lives.

Three ways (and tips) to have a healthy connection between food and life

1. Food connects us to our health.

   The quantity and quality of the foods you eat influence the health of your body and mind. For example, eating a diet rich in calcium, potassium and magnesium while limiting sodium has been shown to lower blood pressure. 

   Conversely, too many added sugars and saturated and trans fats can contribute to heart disease and obesity. In addition to these seven tips to lower heart disease risk, here’s another way food can connect you to better health.
   
   Tip: Limit ultra-processed foods

   Ultra-processed foods are typically convenience foods processed with multiple ingredients and additives. These foods are attractive due to their palatability, convenience and long shelf life. 

   However, eating these foods regularly may increase your risk of developing chronic diseases such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease and certain types of cancer. To help lower this risk, choose mainly whole, unprocessed foods.

   When selecting canned, boxed and packaged foods, be selective. Healthier processed foods include canned beans, tuna in water, Greek yogurt, whole wheat pasta, frozen vegetables, nut butters and milk.

2. Food connects us to our environment. 

   The production and consumption of food contribute to climate change, with industrial agriculture, conventional crop farming and food waste contributing to pollution and soil degradation. Alternatively, sustainable farming, shopping locally, growing your food, limiting food waste and being mindful of animal protein consumption are healthy environmental practices.

   Tip: Reduce food waste

   Around one-third of the food produced in the U.S. is never consumed. Food waste is the most common material landfilled, using energy and contributing to greenhouse gases. 

   Reduce food waste by planning meals and sticking to a shopping list so you only buy what you need for the week. Use leftovers for lunches the following day or freeze them for future meals. 

   Store produce properly and consider composting to create nutrient-rich soil. Don’t have a green thumb? Start with a simple indoor herb garden.

3. Food connects us to family.

   Whether it’s for a holiday meal, special occasion, summer grilling, or weekend dinner, eating with friends and family is an important social custom that forms bonds. Stories are exchanged and ideas are shared.

   Family meals in particular have been on the decline for many years. This is due to scheduling conflicts, lack of perceived importance, separation of families and other factors.
   
   Tip: Eat meals at home with your family

   Eating family meals together at home at least 3-4 times per week offers health benefits to adults and children alike. Benefits include:

   • Better nutrition
   • Higher self-esteem
   • Increased academic performance
   • Lower rates of obesity, eating disorders, depression and substance abuse