You’ve probably heard the phrase “you are what you eat.” While it’s true that food is fuel, it’s also true that food is broken down and transformed into cells, hormones, muscles and YOU! When you think of food in this light, it can make it easier to make healthy and nutritious choices for your body. March is National Nutrition Month-a time to focus on making informed choices for a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips:

1. Keep a food diary. Before you can improve your diet, you have to know where you stand. Record everything you eat or drink for 5 days and use these tips to improve your diet a bit each day.
2. Eat breakfast. It boosts your metabolism and mental focus. Plus, breakfast eaters consume fewer calories throughout the day than people who skip this meal.
3. Enjoy 2-4 servings of fruit each day. Fruits are rich in nutrients, fiber and antioxidants, all of which help fight disease.
4. Know your “red flag” menu words. Avoid restaurants items described as: battered, breaded, buttery, cheesy, country, creamy, crispy, fried, giant, loaded, smothered and stuffed.