Change the Way You Eat With These 4 Letters

National Nutrition Month is in March sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the governing body of registered dietitians in the United States. This year, it’s time to put your best fork forward! This means it’s time to start paying attention to what is on your fork and going into your mouth.

If you bought a high-end vehicle that only took premium gas, would you put low grade in it? If you do, this could ruin your engine and all that money would go down the drain. It’s the same concept with your health. If you fuel your body with low quality foods that are low in nutrition and high in sugar and saturated fats, you are not going to feel your best and your health will suffer over time.

Eating healthy doesn’t need to be complicated. Diets can just set you up for failure. Ditch the diet mentality this year and follow the FORK method to stay on top of your health goals. This simple acronym can help you put every meal and snack into perspective to keep you looking and feeling your best every single day.

{F} Focus on Macronutrients

Carbohydrates, fats, and proteins all work together in your body to keep you going. Steer clear of diets that eliminate an entire macronutrient from your day. You need them all! In fact, make sure you always have carbs, fat, and protein present on your plate together.

{O} Organize your meals & snacks

Organizing your meals and snacks for the week ahead is a game changer. It keeps you on track and takes the guess-work out of busy days. This will also lead to less eating out and hunger pains that will have your reaching for anything around you. Meal prepping has become quite popular in recent years. It’s an incredible way to keep health goals on track.

{R} Rich in Vitamins & Minerals

If fruits and vegetables aren’t at the end of your fork, you may be missing out on essential vitamins and minerals. Aim for at least 5 total fruits and veggies a day to get a variety of nutrients that helps ward off disease.

{K} Kick Low Quality Foods to the Curb

Are you in the habit of filling up on foods that provide little nutrition? It’s time to kick them to the curb and replace them with nutrient rich foods that will help you feel your best. Treats are good to have sometimes, but the majority of your diet should be high quality.

For more information on National Nutrition Month, visit eatright.org.

*This article originally appeared in European Star & Stripes March 2017.