March is National Nutrition Month®
February 23, 2023National Nutrition Month® is an annual nutrition education and information campaign created 50 years ago in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign, celebrated each year during the month of March, focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthful eating and physical activity habits. This awareness campaign was initiated in March 1973 as a week-long event titled "National Nutrition Week," to deliver nutrition education messages to the public while promoting the profession of dietetics. In 1980, in response to growing public interest in nutrition, the week-long celebration expanded to become a month-long observance.
This year's theme for National Nutrition Month® is "Fuel for the Future." Sustainable eating is about choosing foods that are healthful to the environment and the body. Eating with sustainability in mind is a tasty way to nourish individuals during every phase of life and protect the environment. An individual should practice gratitude for their body by giving it the fuel it needs with sustainable foods! A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate an individual’s unique needs.
According to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, here are National Nutrition Month® 2023 Weekly key messages:
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) An individual should:
- Ask their medical provider for a referral to an RDN.
- Find an RDN who is specialized to serve an individual’s unique needs.
- Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
- Receive personalized nutrition advice to meet their health goals.
WEEK #3— Stay nourished and save money. An individual should:
- Plan their meals and snacks.
- See what food they 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. An individual should:
- Include their 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 their 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.
Here are some tips individuals can employ in their homes, and communities to celebrate March is National Nutrition Month®:
- As a family, commit to trying a new fruit or vegetable each week during National Nutrition Month®.
- Give family members a role in meal planning and let them pick out different recipes to try.
- Plan to eat more meals together as a family during National Nutrition Month®.
- Explore food recovery options in their community.
- While watching TV, take breaks during commercials to be physically active.
- Practice mindful eating by limiting screentime at mealtime, including phones, computers, TV and other devices.
- Try more meatless meals with choices like beans, peas and lentils that are versatile plant-based protein sources that work in a variety of dishes.
- Let everyone help with food preparation that is a skill for people of all ages.
◦ For those who have children, there are age-appropriate tasks they may enjoy learning how to do. - Bring out the flavors of food by trying new herbs, spices, or citrus fruit like lemon or lime.
- Publish a nutrition tip of the day for each of the 31 days in March.
- Save food product labels from empty boxes.
◦ Spend some time reading labels and comparing information in the Nutrition Facts panels.
◦ Expand into a menu-planning opportunity, individually or in teams, using MyPlate as the guide to a healthy meal. - Organize a food donation campaign for a local food pantry or shelter.
