National Nutrition Month 2023

Come join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) community in celebrating National Nutrition Month! March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM) and it is an annual nutrition education campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign invites the community to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is Fuel for the Future and supports the philosophy that when we eat with sustainability in mind that it can also encourage a tasty way to nourish the body and protect the environment. You can join the celebration by giving your body the fuel it needs by incorporating sustainable foods on to your plate that are nutritionally adequate, safe, healthy, and also include variety of your favorite foods.

So what is sustainable eating? When we consume foods that come from agricultural practices that produce foods in such a way that conserves natural resources and has minimal impact on the environment that this is one example of practicing eating sustainably. Sustainability is not only about the food itself however includes how the food is distributed, packaged, and consumed.

The human body is made up of systems that need nutrition for fuel in all stages of life. The below recommendations can help kick off or continue your healthful lifestyle:

1. Eat with the environment in mind. Include more plant based meals and snacks. Meatless Mondays is a great way to start if you haven’t already joined the global movement that encourages people to reduce meat in their diet for their health and health of the planet. Also try to purchase foods with minimal packaging as this usually results in buying variety of in season fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables that you can include on to your plate either from shopping locally when possible or from a backyard garden.

2. Stay nourish and save money. Planning your meals and snacks ahead of time allows you to make informed food choices while staying within your budget. Check your refrigerator and pantry and make a list of items you need to purchase. Sticking to the list while grocery shopping will help you save money and help reduce food waste. Many healthful foods are filling, can cost less overall, and most importantly help to manage or reduce your chances of developing certain chronic diseases.

3. Eat a variety of foods from all food groups. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, protein foods, and dairy all play a role in fueling our bodies. Variety is key. Follow the MyPlate daily recommendations from each food group to get the nutrients you need at each stage of life. For more information about amounts of individual foods group recommendations visit MyPlate website for more information https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/what-is-myplate. Make your plate your own by including foods that are specific to your needs and preferences because every bite counts.

4. Make tasty foods at home. Incorporate a variety of nutrient dense foods by learning meal preparation and cooking skills. Try new flavors and food from around the world. Use leftovers into new dishes rather than tossing them away. Eat with friends or family when possible. Eating not only has to be tasty but it can be fun. Avoid fad diets to promote unnecessary restrictions. Give your body the fuel it needs to stay healthy. Refer to the 2020-2025 US Dietary Guidelines for more information about how you can make every bite count by visiting https://www.dietaryguidelines.gov/

5. Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). RDNs have the education, training, and skills to help you thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition. I encourage you to celebrate National Nutrition Month® by incorporating more tasteful plant based foods into your diet and practice eating sustainably while incorporating nutrient dense foods to Fuel your body and the health of the planet. Remember that eating right doesn’t have to be complicated. Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN if you need assistance with reaching your health goals.