March is National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month, a month-long celebration of the transformative power of healthy food choices. With the month providing an opportunity to highlight the importance of a healthy diet and exercise, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the transformative power of healthy food choices in reducing the risk for chronic diseases, weight loss, and maintenance, and improving overall health and longevity.
This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future." Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish ourselves during every phase of life and protect the environment. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs.
Brief History
National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign created 50 years ago, in 1973, by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It started as National Nutrition Week and became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.
Importance of National Nutrition Month
The importance of nutrition is something that is often overlooked by many. We have all heard how important it is to eat well, but for some reason, some find it hard to make the connection between diet and how we feel overall. Maybe you don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables because they are too expensive or inconvenient to buy, or eating healthy means giving up all your favorite food.
But the truth is, eating well does not have to mean giving up anything –it just means making smarter choices. And with a little planning and foresight coupled with a few trips to the grocery store, you can easily integrate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, nuts, and seeds into your diet without having to spend hours fixing meals every night or giving up your favorite treats.
This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future” also means starting to think about how you can fuel your future with the help of healthy eating and regular exercise. The most important thing to remember when trying to eat right and stay healthy is that it is not as simple as eating less junk food –you have to make a conscious decision to ensure you are getting enough nutrients in your diet (think vitamins, minerals, and protein) so that your body functions properly.
Celebrating National Nutrition Month
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests the following activities throughout the month. While we all probably have a general idea of what constitutes good nutrition, it is important to remember that there are no one-size-fits-all answers when it comes to one’s diet, as we all live different lifestyles and will start off on different states of health.
But nevertheless, the best way to get started with improving your diet and overall well-being is by making small changes each day and tracking how they affect your body and health over time. Making changes gradually helps your body adjust more easily and gives you more time to figure out what you can incorporate, given your lifestyle. These are a few suggested activities you can do in five weeks.
Week 1: Eat with the environment in mind
- Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks.
- Purchase foods with minimal packaging.
- Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible.
- Start a container or backyard garden to grow food at home.
Week 2: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)
- Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
- Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
- Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
- Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
Week 3: Stay nourished and save money
- Plan your meals and snacks.
- See what food you have at home before purchasing more.
- Use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food.
- Learn about community resources such as SNAP, WIC, and local food banks.
Week 4: Eat a variety of foods from all food groups
- Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions.
- Eat foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned, and dried.
- Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions.
- Practice gratitude for your body by giving it the fuel it needs.
Week 5: Make tasty foods at home
- Learn cooking and meal preparation skills.
- Try new flavors and foods from around the world.
- Find creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them.
- Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible.
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