March is National Nutrition Month, but for many of us, this is more than just a calendar reminder to eat your fruits and vegetables. It is time for us to move from reactive healthcare to proactive wellness by engaging with your benefits early in the year.
Being a "wise consumer" of your health doesn't mean doing it all yourself – it means knowing what embedded wellness resources are included in your medical plan and using them to reduce your long-term risk, stress, and out-of-pocket costs.
Are you aware that your medical insurance is a powerful tool for nutritional health? Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), many preventive services are covered at $0 cost-share to you. Here are two value adds:
- Preventive Screenings: Use Q1 to get your "know your numbers" bloodwork done such as cholesterol, A1C, and blood pressure. These results often trigger additional covered benefits, such as weight management programs or intensive behavioral counseling.
- Digital Coaching and Telehealth: Most major carriers now offer virtual nutrition counseling. You can consult with an expert from your kitchen or office, making "nutrition intention" much easier to fit into a busy schedule.
Becoming a wise consumer also applies to how you shop and eat. Here are 3 tips:
- Shop the Borders: The outer edges of the grocery store hold the "whole foods" (produce, lean meats, dairy). Intentional shopping starts here.
- Watch out for Added Sugars: Wise consumers look past the marketing on the front of the box. Check the Nutrition Facts label specifically for Added Sugars—aiming for less than 10% of your daily calories.
- Meal Prep: Think of meal prepping on Sundays as "health insurance" for your work week. It prevents the high-cost, high-sodium "emergency" takeout order when you're stressed.
Resources You Can Use
- EatRight.org: The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ hub for National Nutrition Month, featuring tip sheets and "Find an Expert" tools.
- MyPlate.gov: A simple, visual guide from the USDA to help you balance your plate at every meal.
- Podcast Recommendation: The Nutrition Diva - science-based bites on food myths or Maintenance Phase - a deep dive into the junk science behind wellness fads.
Have more questions? For additional well-being guidance, please reach out to Jennifer Green, Vice President of Wellbeing & Engagement at Venbrook, our preferred benefits partners, at jgreen@venbrook.com