WHY IS ADEQUATE HYDRATION SO IMPORTANT?
Your body needs to be hydrated to function at its best. Hydration has many benefits like improving mood and memory, regulating body temperature, lubricating and cushioning joints, and removing waste from the body. The amount of water you need daily varies by age, sex, pregnancy status, and breastfeeding status. Prior to any diet or lifestyle change, always consult with your physician or a registered dietitian.
HOW CAN I DEVELOP A PLAN FOR LIFELONG HEALTH, NOT JUST SHORT-TERM WEIGHT LOSS?
Amid the daily barrage of fad diets, itcan be easy to lose sight of the big picture: achieving overall good health.
Too often, people adopt the latest diet,which may work for a while, but then they hit weight-loss plateaus and ultimately end the diet in frustration. By putting more emphasis on your health, you can raise your overall self-esteem, resulting in healthy eating, weight loss and improved health.
It is the official position of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that if food is consumed in moderation with appropriate portion size and combined with regular physical activity, all foods can fit into a healthful diet. If you’ve gone from one diet to the next throughout your life, it’s time to get back to basics and focus on your overall health. Prior to any diet or lifestyle change, always consult with your physician or a registered dietitian.
WHAT ARE SOME TIPS TO STAY HYDRATED?
You probably know the health benefits of drinking plenty of water, but actually drinking enough of it may be another story. If you need to increase the amount of water you drink:
- Take water breaks during the day instead of coffee breaks or keep a cup or bottle on your desk to drink throughout the day.
- Drink water before, after and during physical activity.
- Carry a bottle of water as you commute, work and/or run errands.
- Opt for water when eating out.
- Try infusing water with your favorite fruit to improve taste.
Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water; stay hydrated all day long! Prior to any diet or lifestyle change, always consult with your physician or a registered dietitian.
WHAT ARE FOOD ALLERGIES?
Food allergies areabnormal responses of the body’s immune system to certain foods or food ingredients.
The nine major food allergens are; Eggs, Milk and Dairy, Peanuts, Tree nuts, Fish, Shellfish, Wheat, Soy, Sesame.
Food allergies are diagnosed by a physician. A registered dietitian can help develop an eating plan that’s rightfor you.
WHAT IS A HEALTHY SNACK?
Accordingto the USDA, when deciding on a snack, focus on choosing foods full of nutrients and limited in added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. Try including these foods as your next snack:
● Cut up your favorite vegetableand pair it with a low fat dip
● Have fresh fruiton hand for an easy grab and go snack
● Make your owntrail mix with your favorite nuts, seeds, granola and dried fruit
● Instead ofgrabbing potato chips, try air popped popcorn
● Create your owncombo snack with whole wheat crackers, hardboiled egg, turkey, and avocado
Prior to any diet or lifestyle change, always consultwith your physician or a registered dietitian.
WHAT DOES THE GREEN SPIRAL IN THE VENDING MACHINE MEAN?
The green spiral is part of AVI’s wellness program nutriSOURCE. Our products identified with the green spiral are approved by AVI’s Registered Dietitians and meet our nutriGOOD criteria. Head to our nutriFOODS page to check out our criteria!
