Happy National Nutrition Month! Your Go-to Guide for a Balanced Diet

Gearing up for spring cleaning? In the spirit of positive improvements, March is also National Nutrition Month. Created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual observance promotes the importance of making informed food choices and practicing healthy habits.

From the keto diet to a vegan regime, you have probably heard conflicting advice about a variety of popular diet plans.

However, here\’s some advice you can always count on: a balanced, nutrient-dense diet is a critical component of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

We know that dietary changes can be overwhelming, so we\’re breaking down everything you need to know about giving your nutritional habits an overhaul. Follow these tips for a healthier lifestyle you can celebrate year-round:

Make sense of nutrition labels.

Before you can jumpstart your newly nutritious lifestyle, it’s time to get familiar with labels.

The Nutrition Facts label for packaged foods can help ease the dietary decision-making process by offering important information around vitamins, sugar content, and more.

Not sure what to look for? Focus on foods that are naturally low in saturated fat, added sugars, and sodium. 100% juice checks all those boxes!

Plus, portion size matters. The Nutrition Facts label also displays a serving size for that particular item.

Start comparing your typical portion size to the serving size listed on the panel, and reassess accordingly. If the serving size is one cup and you eat two cups, you’re getting twice the calories and fat!

By making a conscious effort to scout food and drink labels, you’ll be well on your way toward making healthier choices.

Mix it up.

If your fruit and veggie consumption needs some work, you’re not alone. More than 80% of Americans are not eating enough fruit and vegetables!

Luckily, meeting those nutritional goals isn’t as challenging as it may seem – even for the busiest lifestyles.  

To boost your veggie intake, throw a nutritious spin on your favorite pasta or pizza dishes by adding shredded vegetables into the mix.

Increase your fruit consumption by weaving 100% juice into your daily routine. This tasty beverage offers a convenient and accessible way to complement whole fruit.

The US Dietary Guidelines state that up to half of your daily fruit intake may come from 100% juice.

Just remember the golden rule: One cup of 100% juice equals one small apple, one large orange, or one cup of diced fruit!

Go beyond the breakfast table by using 100% juice as a healthy alternative to oil in marinades and salad dressings.

Parents can also share the love by serving 100% juice to children. The latest research shows that healthy adults and children who drink 100% juice have higher quality diets and eat more whole fruit than non-juice drinkers.

However, always make sure to pay attention to serving sizes, as recommendations vary slightly for the little ones.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children 1 to 3 years of age have up to 4 ounces per day. Up to 6 ounces is appropriate for children 4 to 6 years of age, and children 7 years and older may drink up to 8 ounces per day.

Grab those nutrients.

Selecting foods and beverages that are rich in vitamins and minerals can help provide your body with the important nutrients it needs.

No clue where to start snagging those vitamins and minerals? 100% juice is packed with plenty!

Vitamin C helps build strong bones, healthy teeth, skin, and cartilage. It’s also a critical part of a healthy immune system.

Orangegrapefruitpineapplebeetrootcarrot and tomato juice are especially good sources of vitamin C, offering at least 10% of the suggested daily value.

Vitamin A is important for a healthy immune system, reproductive, and eye health. Grab your dose in carrot and tomato juice.

To learn more about the nutritional superpowers of your favorite juices, explore our Find Your Juice Match tool. For additional tips on incorporating 100% juice into your nutritious lifestyle, check out our Healthy Habits page.

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