In 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics launched the annual National Nutrition Month campaign. Since then, it has been celebrated yearly, with messages centered on how food and nutrition affect our health and well-being. For the 50th anniversary of the campaign, "Fuel for the Future" is the theme; a great approach to fuel us throughout life and support the environment via sustainable eating.
A Weekly Calendar Provided by The Academy Helps Highlight Different Aspects of The National Nutrition Month Theme and Provide Useful Goals:
Try Sustainable Eating
- Add plant-based meals to your routine.
- Eat seasonal produce.
- Start to grow food at home.
- Minimal packaging is the key.
Consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist
- Get an RDN referral from your physician.
- Locate an RDN with whom your needs match.
- Learn how your nutritional demands alter as you age.
- Get individualized nutrition advice to achieve your health objectives.
Stay Nourished and Save Money
- Plan your meals for the week with a focus on a variety of foods from all food groups.
- Make use of what you already have before fresh purchase.
- While buying food, have a grocery list with you and look for sales.
- Better to get acquainted with neighborhood resources and make use of them, such as SNAP, WIC, and local food banks.
Explore Cuisines
- Incorporate your favorite cultural meals and habits into your daily meals.
- Consume food in a variety of forms, including fresh, frozen, tinned, and dry.
- Steer clear of fad diets.
- Show gratitude to your body by giving it the nutrients it requires.
Make Tasty Foods at Home
- Explore new international cuisines and flavors.
- Use leftovers instead of tossing them out.
- When feasible, enjoy meals with friends and family to create happy memories.
- Focus on using ingredients that are in season to save money and reduce environmental impact.
Let's look at some sensible choices we can make to be sure we are using the ideal “fuel for the future”.
- Choose nutrient-rich foods: Choose foods that are high in nutrients and lower in calories. Comprise your diet of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats.
- Limit sugary drinks: Sugary drinks can be high in empty calories. Choose water, and unsweetened tea, or coffee instead.
- Snack on nourishing foods:Choose snacks that are high in protein and/or fiber, such as nuts, seeds, fruits, and vegetables.
- Plan:Plan your meals and snacks ahead of time to avoid making hasty choices when you’re hungry.
- Listen to your body: Pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues.
One emerging goal for health and wellness goes beyond individual nutrition goals – it is sustainability. By choosing foods that are produced sustainably, we can help reduce the negative impact on the environment. Sustainable eating also supports local communities and economies. When we choose to buy food that is grown or produced locally, we support local farmers and food producers who often utilize healthy and humane farming practices. Additionally, sustainable agriculture practices often result in higher quality and more nutritious food.
National Nutrition Month is a great opportunity to reflect on the importance of fueling our bodies for the future. Even so, nutrition effects all aspects of our lives and should be prioritized every month of the year. By recognizing the impact of food choices to individual wellbeing and the welfare of the environment and society, we can achieve true long-term health and wellness.
Our mission at AssureCare is to improve human lives through systematic technology solutions. By equipping dietetic and other wellness professionals with cutting edge practice applications we are enthusiastic about the transformative power of nutrition.
Check out resources here: https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month-2023
