National Nutrition Month 2016

by | Mar 3, 2016

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month (NNM)?

This day was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in March 1973 and continues today. The goal of NNM is to encourage and empower people to make informed decisions about the foods they choose to eat as well as to adopt healthy habits in their daily lives. This March, take the opportunity that NNM provides to improve your food choices, get physically active, and learn how to make the most of your nutrition!

Savor the Flavor of Eating Right

Savor the Flavor of Eating Right is the 2016 theme for NNM this March. The theme is based around the idea that our cultural and social experiences of eating food are communal and meant to bring us joy and keep us healthy. The 2016 theme reminds us to take time to enjoy our food traditions and to make mindful eating choices. It also adds importance to factors such as why, when, and how we eat, according to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This is just another reason why NNM exists—to help you be wholly mindful of eating, therefore appreciating the flavor and nutrition that food brings to us!

 

The Focus of National Nutrition Month 2016

This year, in order to celebrate Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is encouraging people to cut down on salt, sugar, and saturated fats, which many people use to add flavor to certain dishes. None of these additives are helping your body out, so NNM wants to help you make better choices when it comes to your meals. By teaching people how to use herbs and spices rather than salt and sugar, you can not only make your dishes healthier, but more flavorful! Use age-old combinations such as rosemary and garlic, or create your own to customize your dish.

 

The Role of Diet in Our Health

How we eat makes all the difference to our health. By choosing healthy fats such as avocadoes, lean proteins like fish, and whole grains like rice or quinoa, we can take steps to eat healthier and make thoughtful food purchases. And let’s not forget the fruits and veggies! The rule of 5 per day is a good place to start as a general guideline. Grow your own or buy organic at the store. Teach your kids how to make healthy choices with natural foods like carrots and hummus for a snack or an apple with natural peanut butter. For dinner, make your plate mostly vegetables with a small serving of meat or another protein. When it comes to the role of diet in our health, vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats can protect us from many different chronic diseases and health conditions!

 

Take advantage of the NNM campaign and take steps to adopt a healthier lifestyle this March. NNM also encourages people to make the most of their nutrition by being active, encouraging their kids to be active, and making healthier lifestyle choices such as avoiding foods that you may be intolerant to and obtaining safe drinking water.

 

Savor the Flavor of Eating Right this March with National Nutrition Month! Visit www.eatright.org for more information on how to get involved and take control of your health this March!