National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition month. It's a great time to hit restart on the items in your kitchen and reinforce healthy choices for your household. Here are some ways your family can embrace a healthy lifestyle, together.

Encourage your family to have 5 servings a day.

Print out a checklist for the kitchen and encourage family members to have 5 servings of fruits and veggies per day. At the end of the month, reward the person who has the most checkmarks.

Take turns preparing healthy snacks.

Delegate a member of the family to make a tasty new snack each week that everyone can take to-go for school or work.

Be active together.

Family fitness can include hiking together, taking a stroll through the neighborhood after dinner, or playing a game of catch or basketball outside.

Sit down for dinner as a family.

Life gets busy sometimes and it's not always easy to sit down at the dinner table together. This month, make an effort to sit down as a family and enjoy a meal free of distractions. If dinner doesn't work, try breakfast.

Reduce added sugars.

Be mindful of labels and try to shop in the outer perimeter of the store. Cut down on processed foods this month to help reduce your family's sugar intake.

Want to take your family nutrition plan to the next level? Ask your UPMC Children's Community Pediatrics pediatric provider about Nutrition Services.