Food for Thought: Are You Eating Well?
Have you ever eaten a light salad for lunch only to raid the cookie jar by 3 p.m.? Have you convinced yourself that coffee counts as breakfast? Ever accidentally eaten an entire bag of chips? You’re not alone!
It’s fine! Nutrition isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to consider how we approach food. Instead of strict diets and bland meals, let’s focus on real food, real life, and real fun. Here’s how to rethink nutrition this month – with zero guilt and plenty of good eating.
What’s Your Eating Personality?
Before we dive in, let’s figure out your food style. Do you see yourself in one of these?
- The Mindless Muncher – You grab snacks thoughtlessly, eat them while working, and somehow they vanish before you even realize it.
- The Weekend Indulger – You’re great all week…until Friday arrives. Then, all bets are off as you gather for cocktails, dinner, brunch, happy hour, and dessert.
- The Emotional Eater – When stress, sadness, anxiety, or loneliness strikes, your go-to is comfort food.
- The Balanced Pro – You’ve got nutrition figured out. (If so, please teach us your ways!)
If you’re not quite a Balanced Pro yet, don’t worry. Small changes can make a big impact. Let’s start with some easy wins.
“Eat This, Not That”
Delicious swaps to help put you on a healthy path:
- Instead of sugary cocktails, try fresh citrus spritzers!
- Instead of fried fish sandwiches, try grilled grouper tacos.
- Instead of heavy pasta, try shrimp & zucchini noodles (or my favorite, Barilla Protein+ Penne Pasta).
- Instead of soft drinks, try sugar-free seltzers – or even better, water.
Grocery Hacks
Meal planning can be time-consuming and overly complicated. Instead, grab these three must-haves for easy, healthy meals all week:
- Rotisserie chicken – Throw it in a salad, wrap, or taco.
- Bagged greens – No chopping. Just plate it and eat. (Look for light salad dressings.)
- Avocados – Because they make everything better.
Are You Up for a Challenge?
Changing habits doesn’t have to be difficult. Start small and take it one step at a time.
- Week 1: Drink only water or unsweetened drinks (goodbye, soda).
- Week 2: Eat one new fruit or veggie every day.
- Week 3: Swap one processed snack for something fresh.
- Week 4: Cook at least one homemade meal.
The Final Bite
National Nutrition Month isn’t about rules. It’s about finding what works for you and making eating healthy fun, easy, and delicious. So – swap smart, snack wisely, and enjoy great food. What is one small change you’re making this month?
About the Author
Bret Kueber, M.D.
Dr. Kueber (pronounced KEE-brr) joined the Clinic full time in March 2022. A graduate of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, he completed his residency in Family Practice at the Cleveland Clinic. He is board certified in Family Medicine. As an avid sportsman, he has a special interest in sports medicine and is a […]
More Recent Healthcare News
Help us Celebrate the People Who Keep the Clinic Running
April 18, 2025Healthcare is personal. It’s built on trust, consistency, and people who care—not just in the exam room, but in every part of the experience. At the Boca Grande Health Clinic, we’re fortunate to have an administrative team that lives those values every day. With National Administrative Professionals’ Day coming up on April 23, we’re taking […]
Ask a Doc: Managing Stress in a Stressful World
April 12, 2025Lately, it feels like stress is simmering just below the surface for many of us. Whether it’s navigating the long road of post-hurricane recovery or simply trying to keep up with our day-to-day affairs, it’s understandable to feel stretched. Add in the swirl of national news and uncertainty, and it’s no wonder that Google searches […]
Most prescriptions are designed to address specific issues – a fever, a sore knee, high blood pressure – you get the idea. But not everything worth prescribing comes in pill form. To celebrate Doctors’ Day on March 30, we invited our doctors to share their best prescriptions for a good life – no pharmacy required. […]
Food for Thought: Are You Eating Well?
March 13, 2025Have you ever eaten a light salad for lunch only to raid the cookie jar by 3 p.m.? Have you convinced yourself that coffee counts as breakfast? Ever accidentally eaten an entire bag of chips? You’re not alone! It’s fine! Nutrition isn’t about perfection – it’s about progress. March is National Nutrition Month, making it […]