Prioritizing What’s on Your Plate

March is National Nutrition Month, and we’re talking about how much we move -- and what we put on our plate during each meal. Have you considered your servings lately? Think about which fruits and veggies make it into your meals. We’re not saying anything new, but what you eat affects your feet. From heart disease to diabetes, food habits and lifestyle habits can impact health from head to toe. The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine has seen the results.

This National Nutrition Month, we want to remind you that we are here to partner with you for better health. Here are three tips to encourage you to try something new with your plate.

Learn about labels

What do those numbers and words mean on the side of bags and boxes of food? The Nutrition Facts Label is a helpful tool, but it is most beneficial if you understand what it means. Words like cholesterol, sodium, and fiber are common words that you will see. We encourage patients to avoid foods with high cholesterol, sodium, and even added sugar. 

Here are parts of the label:

• Serving size

• Calories

• Nutrients 

Make decisions based on labels

So, we’ve talked about the Nutrition Facts Label. Now, what do you do? We’ve got you covered. Start with the nutrients section, which includes total fat, cholesterol, sodium, carbohydrate, protein, etc.

• Choose foods with less saturated fat, sodium, and added sugars

• Choose foods with more dietary fiber, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium 

Learn about balance

If we talk about nutrition, everything is in moderation. There may be a food you eat that may have those added sugars that we want to avoid. What if a food item is lacking in dietary fiber? Instead of feeling discouraged, create a plan for the balance. We also want to remind you that eating well is not the only part of nutrition. Adding regular physical activity to your day is important, too!

• Start walking! Walking consistently and briskly has benefits.

• Invite a friend to help with exercise.

• Talk to your doctor about community support.

Let’s learn together this month. Learn about the Nutrition Facts Label, make decisions based on your knowledge, and focus on adding physical activity to your day. We’re here to help.

At The Center for Podiatric Care and Sports Medicine, Dr. Jonathan Levy, Dr. Nadia Levy, Dr. Diane Castro, Dr. Josef Geldwert, Dr. Katherine Lai, and Dr. Vera Malezhik treat various conditions such as sports injuries, ankle pain, diabetic wounds, heel pain, ingrown toenails, plantar warts, and neuromas. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology, we offer cutting-edge care for Midtown East and Manhattan patients. Contact our office at (212) 980-6487. Our office is at 120 E 56th Street, Suite 1150, New York, NY 10022. We continue to offer telemedicine appointments.