By Carlie Saint-Laurent Beaucejour, RD,LDN
Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? Since 1973 the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as American Dietetic Association) have been celebrating national nutrition month in March. The purpose of this platform is to promote awareness of the “power of food”, educate the public on nutrition, and encourage informed lifestyle behavior changes. Nutrition effects many aspects of life from our mood, energy, sleep, weight, growth, athletic performance, to health conditions like diabetes, cancer, and chronic kidney disease…the list goes on! If you are slacking on your New Year’s resolution, let national nutrition month get you back on track.
Here are 5 suggestions and reasons to celebrate and gain more nutrition knowledge, make informed food choices, and instill healthy behaviors.
- Attend a grocery shopping tour with a Registered Dietitian
Did you know that you can meet your Family Food Dietitian at a grocery store? Grocery tours are a fun way to gain confidence while grocery shopping to make healthy decisions and navigate the aisles of the plethora of food products. Schedule your grocery store tour now!
- Sign-up for a cooking demonstration or class
Strengthening or acquiring the skill of healthy cooking increases the consumption of healthier meals in all ages. Talk to your Family Food Dietitian about creating some simple recipes at home.
- Schedule a nutrition counseling visit
Whether you want to prevent or manage a health condition meeting with a Registered Dietitian can help you reach your health goals by providing realistic and sustainable evidence-based advice.
- Plan a farmers market trip
Attending a farmers market is a great way to know and support your local farmers, taste new fruits and vegetables, and engage in the community.
- Volunteer at your local food bank or shelter
Not only are you helping your community you are helping your health by volunteering. By engaging with others this can help combat anxiety, stress, anger, or depression.
How do you plan to celebrate National Nutrition Month?
Sources:
Watson, S. (2013). Volunteering may be good for body and mind. Harvard Health Publish retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/volunteering-may-be-good-for-body-and-mind-201306266428
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (2017). 10 reasons to visit an RDN. Retrieved from https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/learn-more-about-rdns/10-reasons-to-visit-an-rdn
