National Nutrition Month, sponsored by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is celebrated during March every year. Its goal is to focus attention on “the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.”
This event started in 1973 as National Nutrition Week and later became a month-long celebration.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides some excellent tips on how we can develop a healthy relationship with nutrition and maintain a well-balanced diet that improves our overall health and natural defenses.
The Academy notes that a great way to start establishing and maintaining a healthy relationship with our diet and nutrition is by breaking it down into more “digestible” increments to take on one week at a time.
Here is the week-by-week schedule recommended by The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics:
Week One: Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day!
- Include healthful foods from all food groups.
- Hydrate healthfully.
- Learn how to read Nutrition Facts Panels.
- Avoid distractions while eating.
- Take time to enjoy your food.
Week Two: Plan your meals each week!
- Use a grocery list to shop for healthful foods.
- Be menu-savvy when dining out or ordering takeout.
- Choose healthful recipes to make during the week.
- Fuel for school or work with a healthful breakfast.
- Enjoy healthful snacks.
Week Three: Learn skills to create tasty meals!
- Keep healthful ingredients on hand.
- Practice proper home food safety.
- Share meals with people who live with you or virtually, when possible.
- Reduce food waste.
- Try new flavors and foods.
Week Four: Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)!
- Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
- Receive personalized nutrition advice to meet your goals.
- Meet RDNs in a variety of settings throughout the community or via telehealth.
- Find an RDN who is specialized to serve your unique needs.
- Thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition.
It is important to remember that your body and preferences are just as unique as you! There is no one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition and health. All bodies, goals, backgrounds, and tastes are unique and need to be addressed as so. Additional support is readily available, and with the help of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, a personal plan can be tailored to fit your specific needs. Find a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist near you.
Furthermore, The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has compiled a toolkit that helps accommodate the differences from person to person, while keeping that “spice” in your relationship with your nutrition. Check out this toolkit for special offers of tip sheets and handouts, games and activities, PowerPoint presentations and more.
Bonus: Select content is available in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Hindi, and Filipino.
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References
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