March Madness: Be a Participant, Not Just a Spectator

Stay true to your health during March Madness by getting the physical activity you need and making healthy food choices.

For 3 weeks in March, more than 60 women's and men's Division I teams from the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) compete for a chance to play in the Final Four, the college basketball championship series. During this 3-week series, called March Madness or the Big Dance, friends and family gather together to eat and watch their favorite teams take the court.

For those of us who love college basketball, this time of year can be challenging, as it often leads to less healthy food choices and a more sedentary lifestyle as we choose to watch the games instead of participating in some kind of physical activity. Here are some ways to help you stay active and eat healthy during March Madness.

Do You Have Game?

March Madness doesn't have to be limited to the games on TV. Before you sit down to watch the games, grab your kids, family, or friends to shoot some hoops and get into the spirit. Or, take a break between games and go for a brisk walk. It's easy to come up with creative ways to get the recommended amount of physical activity you need each week for important health benefits. For more ideas on how you can add physical activity to your life, visit CDC's Physical Activity for Everyone site.

March is also National Nutrition Month

Are you thinking about what you want to eat and serve your friends during the games? It's a myth that all snacks are “bad.” In fact, visit CDC's Healthy Recipes site for ideas on how to make tasty and healthy foods for the game. Fruits and vegetables are a good option for a healthy snack. Visit Fruits & Veggies Matter to find out what the fruit and vegetable of the month are for March and ways to prepare them.

So let the games begin and stay true to your health from the first game, to the Final Four, and to the championship!

More Information

• Nutrition Basics
• Healthy Weight