Every March the nutrition chatter is kicked up a notch. It’s largely due to National Nutrition Month® (either that or spring is upon us and we’re thinking of shedding some clothes and pounds).
National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. One month is not nearly enough time to think about eating healthy and exercise, but I’ll take what I can get!
The theme for March 2024 is “Nutrition From the Ground Up.” I love this theme because it aligns with what I believe is missing in the nutrition conversation – a healthy foundation.
So much of what I read about in papers and magazines is “good food, bad food” kind of talk. Heaven forbid I purchased some Nutella this week… and I just might eat a little out of the jar! Ohhh… and the first ingredient on the label is sugar. Does that mean I don’t care about nutrition? Absolutely not! What it does mean is that I care what is in products because I read the label and I know that since it has sugar as the first ingredient, this is not supposed to be the foundation of my eating plan. It just so happens I love it on bananas and strawberries and that’s how I’ve been having it. I know that this treat is something I should thoroughly enjoy and savor. That I can always go back and get more. There will be some at the store. I don’t need my fair share (read giant spoonfulls) today.
What I’m getting at is critical to the mindset of the “healthy foundation” I was referring to. What is your “nutrition mindset”? Do you eat and repent? What has that done for you? Hmmm…
All this month, I’ll be bringing you interviews with the nation’s top dietitians. We will discuss where people are “getting nutrition right” and where they are faltering. I’m also going to tackle a few big nutrition issues like childhood obesity, the latest research, and a four-week nutrition makeover!
It’s going to be hot!