March celebrates National Nutrition Month®, a tradition started in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This important month encourages everyone to enhance their knowledge of choosing foods wisely and to develop habits around nutritious eating and regular physical activity.
This year’s National Nutrition Month® theme encourages us to think about our health and the environment from a broader perspective, extending our considerations Beyond the Table. The decisions we make every day, from the foods and beverages we consume, can significantly impact both our immediate well-being and our future.
Healthy eating extends beyond school and family meals to include snacks, breakfasts on the go, dining out, and the origins and preparation of our food. Our choices impact not only our health but also the planet’s. Considering the entire food production process — from cultivation and manufacturing to safety — is crucial. Reflecting on our dietary habits offers an opportunity to enhance both personal health and environmental well-being.
Buying local, seasonal produce supports farmers and promotes environmental health. Reducing food waste through creative reuse of leftovers or composting and incorporating more plant-based options into your diet, are practical steps towards sustainability. National Nutrition Month® is an ideal opportunity to extend your health and environmental consciousness Beyond the Table.
- Use FDA’s Nutrition Facts label when grocery shopping to compare ingredients in different food items. Select items that have higher amounts of vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber and lower amounts of sodium, saturated fat, and added sugars.
- Use MyPlate.gov to create healthy, complete meals that cover all five groups. Check the free MyPlate Kitchen resource for over 1,000 healthy, inexpensive, and tasty recipe ideas.