Did you know that most people make 200 decisions about food each day? Make those decisions easier by thinking about what you like to eat. It's National Nutrition Month and this year's theme is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day." This approach encourages personalized eating plans that focus on your food preferences, lifestyle habits, traditions and any health issues.

National Nutrition Month is a campaign of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) that reinforces good nutrition and exercise. Some key tips include:

• Knowing which foods to eat often. Eating fresh fruits and vegetables as the cornerstone of your diet allows you to actually eat more while consuming far fewer calories and fat than with unhealthy foods. You'll also be eating more vitamins and nutrients. Think of it like you think of a budget for grocery shopping - we all want to get more for less. It's the same concept applied to your eating plan. Try this sample Eating Plan Guide that can help you create your own custom meal plan. Also, the USDA's My Plate tool can help you easily create a meal with a visual tool of what a healthy plate looks like.
• Make your diet fit your lifestyle. If you're constantly on the go, travel often for business or work long hours, you may not be able to eat most of your meals at home. That doesn't mean you can't eat a healthy diet. The key is to know what you can eat, how much to eat and how to make wise choices when eating out. Here are some valuable tips on making healthy choices when eating away from home.
• Track your food intake. Keeping a food journal can help you understand your eating habits and identify areas for improvement. Try recording your food intake for a few days to see if there are some eating habits you could improve. We've included a sample meal tracker to help you. Do this for 3-5 days to see what you can learn about your eating habits. The USDA also offers SuperTracker, an online tool where you can get a personalized nutrition and activity plan. Find the SuperTracker at www.ChooseMyPlate.gov.
• Balance it out with a daily dose of exercise. Nothing complements a healthy diet better than a regular exercise regimen. Exercise is just as important as a healthy eating plan and can be especially helpful if you're trying to lose or maintain weight. Health experts recommend most healthy adults participate in at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity on most days of the week. Learn more about these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Remember, eating healthy can be simple, tasty and fit any lifestyle needs. Learn more about National Nutrition Month and eating healthy from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.