March - National Nutrition Month

Beverly Miller, MHA, MBA, Area Director

Indian Health Service California Area Office

National Nutrition Month

March is a time of year to celebrate healthy eating, with National Nutrition Month®.  There is good reason to celebrate, because nutritious foods are needed for growth, to stay healthy and help in preventing many diseases. National Nutrition Month® was established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as an education and information campaign. To help raise awareness of the importance of food and nutrition in education, March also includes International School Meals Day. Essential to health and wellness are nutritious foods and eating the right amounts for a healthy weight.

This was recognized at the start of the year with the updated Dietary Guidelines for American (2015-2020) released in January. Last month, as part of American Heart Month eating right, making healthy, and managing health conditions was emphasized. The theme this year for National Nutrition month is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right. It encourages everyone to take the time to appreciate the pleasures of great flavors, enjoy healthy food traditions, and social experiences that food can add to our lives. It also brings attention to the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. National Nutrition Month® also celebrates Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and recognizes them as nutrition counseling providers, community nutritionist and food service managers, working to help people enjoy healthy lives.

For more information visit: 
eat right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics  National Nutrition Month
Dietary Guidelines - health.org  Food and Nutrition
Nutrition.gov
USDA ChooseMyPlate.gov
National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey    CDC National Center for Health Statistics