National Nutrition Month is an annual awareness campaign designed by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Every March, the academy focuses on helping people make the right food choices and develop healthy nutrition habits.
History of National Nutrition Month
What started as a nutrition week in 1973 soon turned into an entire month dedicated to nutrition awareness by 1980. Since then, National Nutrition Month has fostered nutritional awareness and educated the public on healthy eating and lifestyle habits.
The theme for Nutrition Month 2022 is “Celebrate a World of Flavors,” which embraces global cultures and cuisine and inclusivity. As part of the month-long awareness campaign, the academy website will host various helpful resources about good nutrition and healthy lifestyle choices.
The Importance of Healthy Eating
The way you eat and the types of food you consume can contribute to good health or help decrease your risk of illness. Essential nutrients provide the fuel, energy, and nourishment necessary to grow, repair, and function properly. Good nutrition includes a mix of proteins, healthy fats, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and water. Typically, a healthy diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, and lean protein. It is often recommended that people reduce their intake of processed foods, salt, and refined sugars.
Nutrition from Supplements
Sometimes your diet is not enough to give you all the nutrients you need. Here, dietary supplements or nutritional supplements can fill the gap. These supplements are available as tablets, capsules, powder, or liquid.
Supplements are taken temporarily when the body needs a boost of nutrition, like during pregnancy. Others who may need supplements include individuals with:
- A restricted diet
- A nutritional deficiency
- Require a particular nutrient, such as iron or B12
- Suffer from malnutrition, such as the elderly or those who are tube-fed
Nutritional products and supplements provide the necessary nutrients, including carbohydrates, protein, fats, minerals, vitamins, and water, which help people recover from various afflictions and live healthy lives. If you take prescription medication, talk to your doctor before taking any dietary supplements as they make interfere with your ability to absorb the medication.
Meal Supplements and Nutrition
Sometimes lifestyle factors and circumstances get in the way of eating well-rounded meals, like when a person gets too busy to prep and cook. In such cases, a meal replacement might be a good alternative that supplies plenty of nutrition.
Meal replacement products can include bars, shakes, powders, and drinks. Of course, not all meal replacement products will suit everyone, and what you consume depends on individual needs and circumstances.
Why Does Nutrition Awareness Matter?
Eating right and maintaining a healthy lifestyle means you can enjoy good health and a better quality of life. This starts with awareness and understanding of individual nutritional needs, food intake, and diet.
National Nutrition Month is a great reminder for everyone to learn more about foods that are good for your body. If needed, you can even seek the help of a registered dietician to assist with your nutritional goals.
If you need more information about nutrition and diets, be sure to check out the resources on the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website. For medical vitamins and nutritional supplements, shop at Simply Medical.