National Nutrition Month is an education and information campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making positive food choices and developing good eating and physical habits in a person’s everyday life. National Nutrition Month promotes the Academy of Nutrition and the powers of healthy food choices.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY THROUGH FOOD

The theme for 2022 is “Celebrate a World of Flavors.” The objective is for individuals to celebrate flavors from
cultures worldwide. After all, every individual is unique and has a different body, goals, background, and taste! There are many ways to get everyone involved in National Nutrition Month, such as hosting virtual cooking demos or nutrition events, sharing nutritious recipes on social media, and more. The three main strategies that the Academy promotes for National Nutrition Month are:

  • Consume fewer calories
  • Exercise daily
  • Make informed food choices

By adopting these everyday habits, people can successfully manage their weight, and reduce their risk of chronic disease.

WHAT IS “GOOD NUTRITION”?

Good nutrition means eating a balanced and healthy diet. It’s vital to ensure you get the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your body needs to function properly. Most people know good nutrition and physical activity can help maintain a healthy weight, but the benefits of good nutrition go beyond weight.

Good nutrition also helps reduce the risk of chronic diseases, including:

  • Heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • Stroke
  • Some cancers
  • Osteoporosis
  • Arthritis
  • And more!

HOW YOUR DIET SUPPORTS YOUR HEALTH

A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects you against many chronic non-communicable diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes, and cancer.

Eating a balanced variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars, and saturated and industrially-produced trans-fats are essential for a healthy diet. To achieve good nutrition, eat foods from all five food groups:

  • Vegetables
  • Fruits
  • Grains
  • Dairy
  • Protein

Each food group plays an important role in overall nutrition:

  • Fruits and vegetables provide vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which are the essential nutrients for the normal development of a body.
  • Grains provide energy
  • Dairy and protein are good sources of protein, iron, and fat.

Try to implement consistency and order in your daily diet. Eating habits have to do with the type of food we eat, behaviors, and customs. Modifying your eating habits and acquiring new ones can help you reach a healthier lifestyle.

RESOURCES TO GET YOU STARTED

Visit thewellnesscoalition.org/nutrition to find nutrition tips and videos. The educational flyers are free to use and share, but we always like to hear how residents are using our materials. Please contact us to share your stories and let us know what’s going on in your community.