The Friday Five - National Nutrition Month

Follow and join the conversation with #NationalNutritionMonth, #NNMchat, and #MyPlateMyWin.

Every March, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (@eatright) reminds everyone to remember the basics of healthy eating during National Nutrition Month. The theme for 2017 is “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. To help you get started on your path to a healthier lifestyle this week’s Friday Five gathers together the best blogs, podcasts, YouTube Channels, resources, and tools the internet has to offer to support your life changing journey. No time like the present to get started so read on…

25 Life Hacks to Eat Better
For many of us our obligations and routines have us running through each day full speed ahead. We use all of this rushing around as an excuse for why we don’t eat well. The myfitnesspal (@MyFitnessPal) blog has some useful tips and tricks to offer that will have you eating better in no time. Check out these hacks to help you break bad habits, navigate the grocery store, and take away cooking frustration.

MyPlate is Here for You During National Nutrition Month!
The USDA site ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate) has a wealth of information, resources, activities, and videos to help people of all ages, shapes, and sizes live a healthy lifestyle. To help you get a jump start on your healthy eating goals, MyPlate has pooled several of their tools and resources for individuals, families, and schools in honor of National Nutrition Month. From tipsheets to checklists, food and activity trackers to quizzes, to simple swap animated videos, the site has something for everyone. MyPlate stresses small changes really add up, so use hashtag #MyPlateMyWin to share your next healthy win!

A new #MyPlateChallenge starts on 3/6! Aim to eat foods from all 5 food groups & be physically active! https://t.co/pMN9jNReMa #SuperTracker pic.twitter.com/dI4suZZL68

— ChooseMyPlate.gov (@MyPlate) March 1, 2017

32 Must-Follow Food and Nutrition Blogs
If you enjoy following blogs and love trying new tried and true recipes, Greatist (@greatist) has put together a perfect list for you to peruse. No matter what diet you subscribe to Paleo, Vegetarian, Vegan, gluten-free or if you simply a foodie, you will find a blog or two that is chock-full of mouth watering healthy dishes.

Follow the Experts on Twitter
The Twitterverse is overflowing with nutrition, health and wellness, and fitness gurus. Twitter offers us a quick and easy way to get tips and advice on pretty much any topic including healthy living. Lifehack (@lifehackorg) contributor Jamie Logie lists his top 10 fitness and nutrition experts to follow on Twitter including two of my favorites, Vani Hari (aka @thefoodbabe) and Mark Sisson (@Mark_Sisson) of Mark’s Daily Apple. American Fitness Professionals and Associates (@afpafitness) also put together a list of important nutrition voices on Twitter that “includes a diverse group of nutrition experts, food experts, and food activists.”

A Few Simple Lifestyle and Diet Changes Have Transformed my Health | Mark’s Daily Apple – https://t.co/nMEUzBEJGM

— Mark_Sisson (@Mark_Sisson) March 1, 2017

Podcasts and YouTube Channels
Podcasts are an excellent way to get informed and learn about new topics of interest while you’re on the go. Whether you listen during your commute to work, while cooking, or during your work out you can learn a lot from a good podcast. U.S. News and World Report (@usnews) compiled a list of 10 Nutrition Podcasts to Add to Your Playlist, each hosted by a registered dietitian with a unique perspective on nutrition. YouTube Channels are similar to podcasts in that they offer a quick way to obtain information on a variety of topics. Additionally, the great thing about YouTube is you can easily pull up a tutorial or quick video about your topic of choice. Healthista (@HealthistaTV) has put together a list of the 10 best healthy eating channels on YouTube each offering quick and easy healthy recipe videos that are bound to help jump start you in the kitchen.