National Nutrition Month
March is National Nutrition Month! The goal of this observance is to educate the public on nutrition and help everyone focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating habits. The theme for National Nutrition Month® 2020 is Eat Right, Bite by Bite!
This month is the perfect time to teach your employees, family members, and community that nutrition doesn’t have to be restrictive or overwhelming. Creating small goals and changes can have long-term health benefits, and every little bit (or bite!) of nutrition is a step in the right direction. This month long campaign is split into 4 categories for each week. This helps break down the information and outline specific steps to form healthy habits.
Week One
The focus on Week One is Varying Your Diet. The goals for this week include:
- Begin including healthy foods from all the food groups, such as whole grains, vegetables and legumes, fruits, dairy products or dairy alternatives, and lean meats.
- Hydrate healthfully and drink the recommended 8 glass of water a day, or more!
- Learn how to properly read nutrition labels and be able to navigate tricky advertising.
- Practice portion control.
- Slow down and enjoying your food.
Week Two
Week Two of National Nutrition Month is ll about meal planning! Tips for this week include:
- Use healthy recipes to build your grocery list for the week.
- Stick to only the healthy foods you have on your list and avoid impulse buys.
- Eat at home as much as possible and stick to the healthy menu you planned out.
- When eating out, work on being menu savvy and finding the healthiest options.
- Pack healthy lunches to enjoy at school or work.
- Plan ahead and practice healthy eating habits while traveling.
Week Three
Week Three transitions the focus to learning healthy cooking skills to create tasty meals for the whole family. Goals for this week include:
- Always keep healthy ingredients on hand, such a fresh vegetables and olive oil.
- Practice home food cooking and storing safety.
- Sit down and share meals together as a family as much as possible.
- Reduce food waste with proper planning and using as much of an ingredient as you can.
- Branch out and try new spices and foods, especially ones that are in season.
Week Four
And finally, Week Four encourages you to consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)! Follow these steps to help you get started:
- Ask your doctor for a referral to a RDN.
- Schedule an appointment in order to receive personalized nutrition advice centered around your goals.
- Consider looking for a RDN that specializes in the areas of your unique needs.
- Meet with different RDNs in your community.
- Begin to thrive as you transform your mind and body with proper nutrition.
Visit EatRight.org to download campaign tool kits and social media tool kits to use in the office or at home! Getting involved in National Nutrition Month is the perfect way to show employees and family members you care, while also encouraging healthy habits! They also have helpful videos covering topics such as: “How to Eat Right on a Budget.”
