The American Dietetic Associaton (ADA) created National Nutrition Month as a way to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.Why the ADA choose March, I do not know. Maybe it's because March it is the beginning of spring, when seeds are being sown into freshly tilled dirt and when fresh fruits and veggies are making their presence once again onto our plates. Maybe it's because so may people are planted on the couch watching March Madness, and that they wanted them to eat carrots and hummus instead of nachos and pizza. Maybe it's because there is something else of importance taking place in May, August and November. Who knows... your guess is as good as mine. However, I am thankful that at least there is a designated month to promote the awareness and importance of nutrition and healthy eating.
For those of you who know me, you know how much I enjoy talking about food and nutrition. I must admit that my favorite word is moderation. Everything in moderation, I say... even chocolate! I could go on and on about nutrition and your daily needs, but I will save that for if and when you ever want to talk to me about it (and please do, I am always open and willing). I will say that, even if only for a month, I challenge you to focus on healthy foods and try to eat a balanced, healthy (and moderate) diet. As spring rolls in, I challenge you to visit local farmers' markets (you're always welcome at mine!) and pick out fresh, locally-grown produce; or even plant a small garden of your own and watch your favorite produce grow from the ground up. Challenge yourself to try new foods and prepare foods in different (possibly, healthier) ways.
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| The food guide pyramid focuses on the 6 major food groups: grains (whole, please!), vegetables (3-4 servings/day, lots of color), fruits (3-4 servings/day, lots of color), milk (low-fat, please!), meats (lean, please!) and beans, and physical activity (150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week). Get fresh, get color, get LOCAL, get moving! |
Although I propose that we have National Nutrition Year, I am satisfied to show my nutrition colors for a month. Nutrition is important for so many things and in so many ways. You only have one body to walk you through life - it should be kept healthy and happy.
For more information and LOTS of nutrition resources, visit www.eatright.org/nnm.
As for Michael and I, even after studying and living a nutritionally responsible life ... it still remains a challenge every day to maintain moderation. There is always one more bite or one more dessert that we'd love to have. The key, I suppose, is that we keep trying and keep working at it. If you can keep nutritional awareness in your mind, you'll be surprised how quickly you can put a little moderation into your diet as well. The best way for Michael to work healthy foods into his diet (besides marrying me!) is to get personally invested in his food by sowing it, tending it, and caring for it all along the way to his plate. In this spirit, we are soon off to plant our bountiful garden that will hopefully last us until National Nutrition Month 2012 (we can dream!).
We'll see you in the dirt...
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