We are all unique and one of a kind!

We are unique with different bodies, goals, backgrounds, and tastes. How you reach your healthy lifestyle is different than someone else. Mindful eating is essential to meeting health goals. It puts the power into your hands, allowing you to find a balance between eating nutritiously and occasionally indulging.

Balance your plate by:

• Focusing on whole fruits.
• Making half your grains whole grains.
• Eating a variety of lean protein: fish, shellfish, beans, meat, poultry, eggs, nuts.
• Moving to low-fat dairy or fortified soy alternatives.
• 85/15 rule: eat nutritiously 85% or the me and treat yourself the other 15% of the me.

On a budget? No problem, healthy eating doesn’t have to be expensive. Making the most of your budget to get the most nutrition will take some planning before you shop.

Here are some tips:

• Eat out less and at home more: plan your meals and write a list.
• Buy frozen fruits and vegetables that are not in season.
• Stick to your list. Do not let the end display suck you in.
• While in the store compare prices of different brands and sizes. Remember to compare the price/weight not just the final price.

There is not a one-sized-fits all approach to nutrition and health. Embrace you and find something that works for you.

Melanie Wirth, RDN, LD, MBA, Corporate Dietitian, Taher, Inc.