Did you know that March is Nutrition Month?

This year’s theme is Nourish to Flourish, emphasizing how the food we eat supports our overall well-being—including how we move and feel every day.

Over my 25 years in practice, I’ve seen firsthand how nutrition and movement go hand in hand. While I always recommend working with a registered dietitian when possible, I also recognize that making healthy behaviour changes—like becoming more physically active—naturally leads people to think about their energy, vitality, and overall well-being.

If you’ve ever wondered how food fuels your movement, consider these three key aspects:

Quality Matters
What kinds of foods are you putting into your body? Whole, nutrient-dense foods with minimal processing provide the best fuel. Think single-ingredient, whole foods rather than highly processed options full of fillers. The better the quality of your food, the better your body can use it for energy and recovery.

Timing Is Key
When are you eating in relation to your movement? You may follow a routine of breakfast, lunch, and dinner, but are you properly fuelling before and after physical activity? If it’s been six hours since your last meal before you head out for a walk, could a nutritious snack help sustain your energy? Properly timing your food intake ensures you’re giving your body the energy it needs when it needs it most.

Enjoyment Enhances Consistency
Are you choosing foods that you enjoy? Do they taste good and bring you joy? Part of fuelling our bodies is selecting nourishing foods that are also appealing. When eating is a positive experience, it becomes easier to consistently make choices that support your health and vitality.

I’ve seen many clients begin an exercise routine only to realize that what they eat is just as important as how they move.

Research shows that making one positive health change often leads to others—improving sleep, reducing reliance on medications, and becoming more mindful of nutrition’s role in overall well-being.

As you move through Nutrition Month, take a moment to reflect:

✔︎ How does your food fuel your physical activity?

✔︎ How does it impact your energy, strength, and overall vitality?

If you’re looking for trusted nutrition resources, I highly recommend exploring the Dietitians of Canada website. A great place to start is their 7 Steps for Quick and Easy Menu Planning, which offers practical tips to help you create balanced meals without the stress. Planning ahead can make it easier to nourish your body with the right foods to support your active lifestyle.

And let’s not forget--March 19 is the day we honour the invaluable contributions of registered dietitians across Canada! Their expertise plays a vital role in helping individuals and communities make informed, healthy choices.

Here’s to nourishing our bodies and moving with energy, strength, and joy!

Stay well and happy moving,
Lisa

Growing up in Saskatchewan, where Daylight Saving Time (DST) doesn’t happen, the only way I knew it was happening was because my American TV shows would suddenly shift an hour. One day, I’d be watching a program at 7 p.m., and the next, it was on at 6 p.m. or 8 p.m.

It was the only real clue that the rest of the world was adjusting their clocks while we stayed the same.

Then, when I moved to Alberta, where DST is a thing, people would always ask me, "Why doesn’t Saskatchewan change their clocks?"

With a completely serious face, I’d reply, "Oh, it’s because the cows can’t handle a schedule change. Dairy cows, in particular, are on a very strict routine, and messing with their timing just wouldn’t work.”

The best part?

People believed me!

They’d nod, consider it, and some would even say, "Oh yeah, that makes sense."

Meanwhile, I was busting up inside with laughter, knowing full well that cows have nothing to do with it.

But hey, it made for a good story!

Now, while the cows have nothing to do with it, here’s what actually happens when the clocks change: our physical activity might get a boost.

Ever notice how, when the clocks spring forward, you suddenly feel like there’s more time to be outside? Whether it’s going for an after-dinner walk, hitting the park with the kids or the dog, or squeezing in an evening bike ride, that extra daylight feels like a little nudge to get moving.

Turns out, research backs this up!

Studies have shown that DST may actually lead to increased physical activity—especially in kids. With more evening light, they tend to spend more time outdoors being active.

And for adults?

It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Some studies show that people take advantage of the extra daylight to move more, while others suggest it doesn’t make a huge difference in overall activity levels.

But here’s the thing: having extra daylight in the evening removes a major barrier to getting outside.

It makes those after-work walks or post-dinner strolls that much more accessible. And even if you’re not logging extra hours of exercise, just shifting more of your movement outdoors can boost your mood, energy, and overall well-being.

So, as we set our clocks forward, why not take advantage of that extra light? Whether it’s a walk around the block, a game of catch with a furry friend, or just soaking up the sun on your porch, let’s make the most of it!

What’s your favourite way to move when the days get longer? Comment below and let me know!

Stay well and happy moving,

Lisa

P.S. Know someone who would love a fresh take on movement and wellness each week? Invite them to join the weekly email! They can sign up today to receive all the goodies from the blog in their mailbox each week! 

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