National Nutrition Month – March 2010 – “Nutrition From the Ground Up”
Purpose
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Registered Dietitian Day, also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.
History
Initiated in March 1973 as a week-long event, "National Nutrition Week" became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition.
Sponsor
The American Dietetic Association's mission is to promote optimal nutrition and well being for all people by advocating for its members. With more than 70,000 members, ADA is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. The majority of ADA's members are registered dietitians and dietetic technicians, registered.
The American Dietetic Association reminds everyone that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics: build your nutritional health from the ground up.
“By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you can work towards a healthier life,” says registered dietitian Tarie Beldin. “Change doesn't have to be dramatic to make a difference.”
Beldin suggests ways to improve your nutrition from the ground up:
- Focus on fruits and veggies: “Take a good look at your current diet you'll probably realize you're not eating enough fruits or vegetables,” says Beldin. “Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.”
- Explore locally: From farmer's markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. “This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time,” Beldin says.
- Make calories count: “Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and that only those on the ‘good foods' list are okay to eat,” says Beldin. “When you're choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren't always the healthiest options.” To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit mypyramid.gov
- Expand your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. “Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites,” Beldin says. “Expand your horizons. Try a fish you've never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.”
- Healthy treats are a must: “A healthful diet doesn't mean deprivation,” says Beldin. “If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you're making healthful changes.”
For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up, during National Nutrition Month and all year long, visit eatright.org and click on “For the Public.”
The American Dietetic Association is the world's largest organization of food and nutrition professionals. ADA is committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the American Dietetic Association at www.eatright.org