Don’t Count Calories…..Make Calories Count!

Tip #8: Did you see First Lady Michelle Obama in her LBD at the Christmas in Washington Concert? Can you believe it came from a NYC thrift store?! This next tip, Don’t Count Calories, may sound just as crazy. However, both adults and children are overweight, undernourished and missing out on important nutrients because they are not choosing nutrient-rich foods first.  In order to improve public health, we need to do more than simply count calories; we need to make each calorie count.

We hear daily that Americans are overweight. How  can that be when statistics show we are not eating enough fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low- fat dairy?   Obesity rates would decline if Americans would reach for low- fat milk instead of soda or eat an apple instead of chips. Making healthier decisions is what it takes to look fit and fabulous in your little black dress.   An easy way to do this is make sure you are getting the recommended number of servings from each of the five food groups. This guide shows the number of servings you need from each group and the vital nutrients they provide.

Record your progress with this weekly food group tracker to help make sure you are getting the recommended servings from each of the food groups.  I’m off to the thrift shop to see what I can find.  Hopefully I can find one that makes my arms look as toned as Michelle’s! Good luck fitting into your LBD. You are almost there!

Betsy Dietsch, RD, LD