Celebrating National Nutrition Month
During the month of March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes informed food choices, healthy eating patterns, and physical activity, often centered around a common theme.
This March is all about Discovering the Power of Nutrition. The Academy encourages individuals to seek out nutrition professionals, such as a Registered Dietitian, if they have specific questions about nutrition and their diet. They can help you make informed choices based on evidence-based research.
Below are some weekly themes shared by the Academy and found on their website:
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 of nutrition information
- Meet with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who specializes in your unique needs
- Receive personalized nutrition information from an RDN that meets your goals
Week 3: Stay Nourished on a Budget
- Learn cooking and meal prep skills that work with the resources you have
- Locate community resources such as Meals on Wheels, SNAP, WIC, or local food banks (Food Map | Find Maine Food Pantries | Good Shepherd Food Bank)
- Advocate for nutrition policies that serve you, your family, and your 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 a way that works for you
Here is the direct link to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website, where you can find printable resources related to the topics of National Nutrition Month.
National Nutrition Month® Resources
-Elizabeth Varga, MS, RDN
Southern Maine Agency on Aging