March may be coming to an end, but it is not too late for the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Overseas program on Naval Station Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to express its support of National Nutrition Month, according to a feature on the Navy website.

The American Dietetic Association observes National Nutrition Month in the month of March. The initiative is designed to place a spotlight on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating right and smart, and being physically active.

Marty Bledsoe, program manager for WIC Guantanamo and a registered nurse, shared: “WIC plays a part in this campaign, based on the fact that it is a nutrition education and supplemental food program… The goal is to increase public awareness on eating right and including daily physical activity to live healthier lives.”

Bledsoe shared five steps towards leading a healthier life. Choose fruits and vegetables in a variety of colors, to add variety to meals. Foods and beverages that contain added sugars should be consumed in limited amounts. Bledsoe also reminded people to choose low fat dairy and lean meat products, to not skip breakfast, and to work out regularly.

Bledsoe said: “The right kinds of food and physical activity will supply you with all the vital nutrients that you need to ensure your body’s growth, vitality, fertility, and maintenance… We can, therefore, eat our way to a healthier body.”

Program participants and their families are given nutritious food, as well as tips on how to prepare a balanced meal. The WIC also gives nutrition and health screenings, and access to resources that help people lead healthy lifestyles.