Welcome to the 50th Anniversary of National Nutrition Month®!

National Nutrition Month® was started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a campaign to provide nutrition education and information in 1973. During the month of March, we encourage you to learn more about making informed food choices and developing smart eating and physical activity habits.

This year's theme is "Fuel for the Future," to highlight the benefits of eating in a way that is promoting the best health at every stage of life and better for the environment. Every week of National Nutrition Month® has a new focus and we challenge you to consider the ways you can participate one phase at a time!

Phase 1 – Focus on eating with the environment in mind.

• Start a home garden – this is a great time of year to do it!
• Buy foods in season – typically the produce on sale is in season (bonus!) or a quick web search will give you information about seasonal produce
• Look for ways to purchase foods sourced locally
• Swap animal products for plant-based ones a couple of times a week; you will find this can be a great benefit to your food budget, too
• Choose foods that are minimally processed
• Join a food co-op

Phase 2 – See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).

• RDNs are degreed from an accredited dietetics program, completed a supervised internship, passed a national exam, and are required to continually participate in professional development to maintain their credentials
• RDNs are experts in food and nutrition and how this relates to health, making them the best resources for credible information and guidance for your unique nutrition needs
• Ask your insurance plan for a list of RDNs in-network or ask your primary care provider to refer you to a RDN

Click Here To Schedule With a Dietitian

Phase 3 – Stay nourished while saving money.

• To control your food budget, spend a few minutes each week to sketch out a plan for eating at home more often (you can even plan some eating out)
• Take an inventory of what you have at home and look for ways to use it (pro tip – there’s an app for that!)
• Use the sale ads to plan your meals and grocery list; don’t miss this, many stores offer digital coupons when you use their app

Phase 4 - Eat a variety of foods from all food groups.

• Supply your body with the best opportunity of getting the nutrition you need by eating a wide variety of foods
• Avoid fad diets and eating strategies that are overly restrictive
• ALL foods fit, moderation is key
• Eat when you are truly hungry and stop when you are comfortably satisfied

Phase 5 - Cook the foods you enjoy at home.

• Look for copy-cat recipes for your favorite restaurant dish to satisfy that flavor you enjoy
• If you feel you do not have the cooking skills needed, spend some time watching online tutorials and practice
• To reduce the amount of time cooking, use a pressure cooker and/or rely on frozen vegetables that can be steamed in minutes
• Pro-tip: many restaurants will sell the protein they serve a la carte, so you can purchase to-go and take it home to pair with those vegetables in your freezer

Meet Melanie Wilder, RDN, CSOWM, LD

Are you ready to partner with a Registered Dietitian to work towards long-term success with weight loss and nutrition goals? Schedule an appointment with Melanie Wilder today by clicking here or texting (469) 382-4891.

Regardless of the date published, no content on this website should ever be used as a replacement for direct medical advice from your primary care provider or another qualified clinician.