Celebrate National Nutrition Month®: Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life.
- Barbara J. Mayfield, MS, RDN, LD, FAND
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
March is nearly over, ending another National Nutrition Month®, celebrated by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1973. This year’s theme is Food Connects Us, and this week’s theme is…
Week 4: Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life.
This theme reminds us that nutrition is key to optimal health from birth throughout the lifespan. At every age and stage of life, nutrition matters. Therefore, nutrition professionals encourage you to …
Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
Include healthful foods from all food groups.
Focus on balanced and sustainable eating habits.
Let’s look at each one…
Learn how nutrient needs may change with age.
Nutrients form the building blocks of life and fuel every bodily function. Therefore, the nutrients we need are dependent on whether we are in a period of growth or maintenance, and the types of activities and functions we need our bodies to do for us.
From infancy through young adulthood, we need to pay attention to nutrients required for growth, such as calcium to build strong bones. During pregnancy, women need additional iron and folate among other important nutrients. As we age, adequate protein is essential to maintain muscle mass. When it comes to nutrition, one size does not fit all.
The best source of nutrients is food. When more nutrients are needed than are easily obtained from food, choose supplements with the help of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. An RDN will advise you on food sources to include as well as how much of what types of supplements are both safe and effective.
Include healthful foods from all food groups.
Meeting our nutrient needs throughout life does not need to be complicated. Become familiar with the food groups illustrated by MyPlate: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy. By choosing healthful options for both meals and snacks, you can meet your nutrient needs.
What does it mean for a food to be “healthful”? It means the food provides nutrients your body needs. To get the highest nutritional value, choose a variety of foods, focusing on ones that have been minimally processed, maintaining their original levels of fiber, vitamins, and other nutrients.
MyPlate provides general guidance on how many servings from each food group are needed throughout the lifespan. An RDN can provide more individualized guidance based on your health, lifestyle, and more.
Focus on balanced and sustainable eating habits.
Good nutrition does not require following fads or ridiculous diet rules. Create eating habits that are balanced, sensible, and sustainable. Eating well can fit your culture, lifestyle, budget, and cooking skills throughout your life.
Food is more than nutrients. Eating is a sensory experience that gives us pleasure. Eating is part of our culture and memories. Create eating habits that honor your culture and bring you pleasure.
Food connects us. Create eating habits that encourage you to enjoy eating with others… that allow you to enjoy celebratory food... and that bring you joy.
Celebrate National Nutrition Month®
Need ideas? Each year, the Academy provides numerous ideas for celebrating National Nutrition Month®. Here are 50 ideas. Here is the complete list of NNM resources.
Previous posts about NNM:
"Research has shown that the environment we live in, along with our day-to-day choices for what we eat and how much physical activity we get, have a greater influence on our health and aging than our genes. Every day, we can make choices to move more and include healthful foods that support our bodies as we get older. Making balanced choices from all food groups provides the nutrients that are needed to support healthy growth and aging." ~ Julie Stefanski, Academy Spokesperson in Baltimore, MD
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