March is National Nutrition Month

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month? Celebrated every March since 1973, the campaign has the purpose of promoting informed food choices and the development of healthy eating and physical activity habits. Presented by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it’s an opportunity for Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) to reach out to the public to remind them of the importance of nutrition education. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition” and communicates the idea that nutrition holds the power to help individuals and communities thrive. The program emphasizes that food choices impact not only our health and well-being, but also our communities and the environment, and stresses the importance of maintaining a balanced lifestyle.

During the month of March, you are encouraged to learn about how to make informed food choices and to develop healthy eating and physical activity patterns in your life. Whether you’re looking at nutrition headlines or searching for nutritious options, the campaign is designed to motivate you and boost your confidence when it comes to food and health and to help you discover how food and beverage choices can help you “power your day”. A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) or nutrition and dietetics technician can use their expertise to guide you with information driven by science. They can give you tips for accessing healthy foods in your area and assist you in building healthy daily habits to improve your overall health and well-being.

The campaign is divided into four weeks of focus:

“Week 1: Power Your Day with Nutrition.

  • Choose healthful foods from all food groups.
  • Alternate your food choices for a variety of nutrients.
  • Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions.

Week 2: Find Advice Backed by Science.

  • Find accurate sources for nutrition information.
  • Meet with an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
  • Receive personalized nutrition information from an RDN to meet your health goals.

Week 3: Stay Nourished on Any Budget.

  • Learn cooking and meal preparation skills that work with the resources you have.
  • Locate community resources such as SNAP, WIC and local food banks.
  • Advocate for nutrition policies that serve you, your family and community.

Week 4: Feel Good with Healthy Habits.

  • Reduce the risk of foodborne illness with home food safety.
  • Plan in advance to avoid mealtime stress.
  • Include physical activity in ways that work for you.”

Below are some books to help you make the most of National Nutrition Month. Become empowered to be an advocate for your own health by equipping yourself with information:

 

How to eat : a simple, balanced approach for optimal wellness

The new Whole30 : the definitive plan to transform your health, habits, and relationship with food

How to eat : all your food and diet questions answered

Fuel your body : how to cook and eat for peak performance

Foodwise : a fresh approach to nutrition with 100 delicious recipes

Eat Yourself Healthy: Food to Change Your Life

This is what you’re really hungry for : six simple rules to transform your relationship with food to become your healthiest self

Nutrient-dense meal prep : quick and easy recipes to heal your gut, balance your hormones and help you adopt a healthier diet and lifestyle

Healthy foods for healthy kids : 120 simple, nourishing, gluten- and dairy-free recipes your whole family will love

Live longer, live better : lessons for longevity from the world’s healthiest zones

Genius foods : become smarter, happier, and more productive while protecting your brain for life

Change your habits, change your life : a proven plan for healthy living

Healthy habits suck : how to get off the couch & live a healthy life… even if you don’t want to

How to be well : the six keys to a happy and healthy life