March Is National Nutrition Month
by TKP Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Toni Toledo
It feels like we just started 2023…how can it already be March? Well, it IS March and this is a special month for a RDN (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist—Like Me) because March is National Nutrition Month. As an RDN, every day, every week, every month and every year is nutrition-focused BUT the month of March is when we officially celebrate as a profession.
This year the campaign for National Nutrition Month is Fuel for the Future. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics and RDNs all over the country encourage clients, patients and our communities to fuel for the future when planning meals and snacks. Food is the fuel that keeps your body running smoothly throughout your life, so give it the nutrients it needs to meet each life stage.
Registered dietitian nutritionists can help people meet their health goals as well as treat or reduce risk of diet-related chronic diseases by reviewing eating habits and lifestyle, assessing nutritional status, and creating a personalized nutrition treatment plan.
As an RDN—it is important for me to focus on offering helpful eating strategies and tips all year long to our TKP clients. Our clients have myriad health and nutrition issues so that is where our healthy delicious meals come in (and now medically tailored groceries program which we are piloting with several clients). It is so exciting to be able to offer delicious, wholesome and nourshing food to our clients who can most assuredly benefit from all the flavors, nutritients and care delivered in each meal.
Let’s explore some of the basic messages that nearly every person can focus on are:
- Eat with the environment in mind by enjoying more plant-based meals.
- Purchase foods with minimal packaging.
- Buy food in season and shop locally when possible.
- Start a garden to grow food at home—even a window garden if that is all you have room for.
- Plan your meals and snacks to stay nourished and save money.
- Check your pantry before buying more food, use a grocery list while shopping and try not to go shopping if you are too hungry (“uh oh, how did that stuff end up in my shopping basket?”)
- Educate yourself about community resources and governmental programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children and local food banks as well as local resources.
- Eat a variety of foods from all food groups whether fresh, frozen, canned, or dried.
- Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions in your meals.
- Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions and practice self-love.
- Learn how to make tasty foods at home with new flavors and foods from around the world.
- Find creative ways to use leftovers instead of throwing them away.
- Create happy memories by eating with friends and family whenever possible.
Let’s be honest—most of us really love food. Eating is one of life’s great pleasures. Nutrition is very important, and our food helps us to feel our best and be fueled for a happy healthy life.
Cheers to that! Happy National Nutrition Month from your TKP Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Toni Toledo.
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