Opening Statement:
As it was stated a very long time ago by Hippocrates, “Let Thy Food Be Thy Medicine,” that same sentiment still holds very true. National Nutrition Month, celebrated in March, stresses the importance of a balanced diet and exercise. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes the powers of healthy food choices. The Academy fully encourages using a registered dietitian to develop and stick with a healthy eating plan. Additionally, a good exercise plan for individuals, families, and participation in our schools goes hand in hand with good nutrition and good health.
Why National Nutrition Month Is Important
· It’s An Excuse to Reset
We hope you’re still crushing your wellness-related New Year’s resolutions! For the rest of us, this month gives us an opportunity to reflect inward and make tangible changes to our diets or workout regimens. It could be as simple as adding another veggie or fruit to every meal.
· We Will Look and Feel Better
When we eat real, nourishing foods, we’re getting a wealth of vitamins and minerals that support not only healthy internal function, but give skin, hair, and nails an extra glow. Look good, feel good.
· It Nurtures Communities
From yoga classes to sustainable farming workshops, the opportunities to celebrate this month are endless in cities across the country.
National Nutrition Month Timeline
2012 - The Association Changed Names
The American Dietetic Association changed its name to the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to better reflect the shifting focus of educational and science-based nutrition initiatives.
1996 - It’s All in The Book
The American Dietetic Association's Complete Food & Nutrition Guide (1st ed.) was published. It remains one of the most important pieces of nutrition literature and has produced several editions since.
1980 - National Nutrition Week Expanded
After popular response to the week-long holiday, the initiative moved to span a whole month. The first theme was “To Hit Your Stride, Eat Smart.”
1973 - National Nutrition Week Launched
The American Dietetic Association (ADA) launched the first National Nutrition Week with the theme "Invest in Yourself — Buy Nutrition."
How To Observe National Nutrition Month
· Move Your Body
Nutrition doesn’t end at what we eat. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages making exercise an integral part of our lives. Try a new activity like Zumba, swimming, or spinning to keep workouts fresh and exciting.
· Find Inspiration
Feeling stale in the kitchen? Pinterest provides an infinite loop of recipes and inspiration to kick-start any nutrition journey. Picking up a new cookbook or following a cool food blogger works too!
· Meet With a Dietitian
They’ll provide you with a detailed meal plan that makes sense for your lifestyle and goals. Many, if not most, health insurance plans cover the cost of dietitian services and city health departments sometimes offer complimentary services or charge sliding-scale fees. Anyway, a healthier, happier outlook on life is priceless!
Five Ways to Eat Healthier This Month
1. More H2O
We all know drinking water helps in nearly every aspect of wellness, but drinking the recommended amount of water per day can be tough. Electrolyte additives offer the same, if not better benefits that drinking six or more glasses of water a day would.
2. Choose Food Over Supplements
Though there are some who sincerely lack certain vitamins and minerals that can’t be achieved through diet alone, most of the good things our bodies need come from food — not store-bought supplements. Research shows that certain supplements haven’t been tested to meet many purity and safety standards, making them unreliable sources of nutrition.
3. Add Color
When in doubt, throw some color on your plate, natural color, that is. Bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant reds from tangy fruit will not only make your meal Instagram-worthy, they’ll give you a healthy boost.
4. Pack Your Lunch
Avoiding typical restaurant or fast-food grease may seem obvious, but according to Harvard Health Publishing, even more important than that is the ability to control portion sizes when you pack your own lunch. Try something fun like a DIY Bento box!
5. Shop The Perimeter
Shopping a supermarket outside aisles ensures that you’re getting healthy alternatives to processed foods like produce, meat, and dairy. When you move inward, most, if not all, of the products contain unnecessary additives and sugar.
Closing Statement:
Eating a healthy, balanced diet, and exercise is crucial for all humans especially those with disabilities. People with disabilities often need assistance with planning, shopping, cooking, and sticking to a healthy diet and exercise. In saying this, caregivers and Direct Support Professionals need to have the knowledge and training in this area. For families, friends, and co-workers, a group participation can be a fun activity. At work, companies can organize a healthy recipe exchange, take a closer look at other alternatives to the usual unhealthy snack machines and what is in them for their employees to purchase if they get hungry. Planning a walking meeting is also a great idea and you can even participate virtually. Parents can plan a weekly menu as a fun activity for children to become involved and learn how to eat healthy in the future. Parents can plan a food shopping game by giving their children a shopping list, have them find the items, have them read the labels to educate them on good ingredients, and to stay away from added harmful chemicals and ingredients. Plan a healthy party with friends by everyone bringing a healthy home-made dish, appetizer, or dessert. As always, scheduling at least a one-year visit to your healthcare professional, going over any special diets, and exercise programs you are doing, or want to do is highly recommended.
Source of Information: Various Google Searches, Printed Publications, Personal Comments, and Suggestions
Until Next Week, Stay Safe and Well!