It can sometimes feel as if we’re bombarded with information about the latest eating trend or buzzworthy ingredient. But good nutrition is really about having a well-rounded diet, and it’s easier to do than you may think. In fact, living a nutritious lifestyle can be easy and fun.  Nutrition is about more than vitamins—it also includes fiber and healthy fats. March is National Nutrition Month, a perfect time to learn simple ways to help your whole family eat healthier.

Add Healthy Fats:  Not all fats are bad. Foods with monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats are important for your brain and heart. Limit foods with trans fat, which increase the risk for heart disease.  Good sources of healthy fats include olive oil, nuts, seeds, certain types of fish, and avocados.

Cut the Sodium: Good nutrition is about balance, and that means not getting too much of certain ingredients, such as sodium (salt). Sodium increases blood pressure, which raises the risk for heart disease and stroke. Most Americans consume about 3,400 milligrams (mg) of sodium each day.  This is much more than the recommended amount of 2,300 mg per day (about one teaspoon of salt).

Bump Up Your Fiber:  Fiber in your diet not only keeps you regular, it also helps you feel fuller longer. Fiber also helps control blood sugar and lowers cholesterol levels.  Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes (beans and peas) are good sources of fiber.