“Let thy food be thy medicine,” said Hippocrates (a long, long time ago), but the sentiment still rings true.
National Nutrition Month was established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973. It’s an opportunity to educate about healthy food choices, and designed to focus on creating healthy eating habits and participating in physical activity for better health. This year’s theme is Beyond the Table.
Beyond the Table inspires us to look Beyond the Table when thinking about our health and the environment. School and family meals are important, but healthy choices go beyond the foods and drinks we enjoy while sitting at the lunch or dinner table. They include our snacks, breakfasts on the go, eating out with friends, and even where foods are grown and how they’re prepared. Our food choices also can affect the health of our planet. Have you ever thought about the work that goes into producing the foods we eat? This includes how food is grown or raised, where and how it is made, as well as its safety. It’s important to think about the foods we eat and the nutrition they provide, but is there more we could be doing to improve our health and the environment? Choices we make daily, including what we’re going to eat and drink, can make a big difference — both now and in the future.
These are a few tips to help you reach Beyond the Table:
Focus on a healthy eating routine. Making healthy food choices may seem difficult at times, especially when eating away from home, but it doesn’t have to be. Many eating places provide nutrition information right on the menu or online to help you choose healthier options.
When purchasing food from a store, use a grocery list and pay attention to sales. You can also learn about resources in your community that offer access to healthy foods, such as food banks.
Seek the help of a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN). Registered dietitian nutritionists, also known as RDNs, are food and nutrition experts who help people live healthier lives. RDNs can help you explore ways Beyond the Table to reach your health goals. Make an appointment with an RDN who specializes in your specific needs to jumpstart your plan for personal wellness.
Other ways to access nutrition information:
The website MyPlate.gov is a great source for nutrition and food information.
At Nutrition.gov you can find nutrition information for every stage of life.
Here is a link to a toolbox talk with even more great information about eating smart and National Nutrition Month https://www.reedbuild.org/post/eat-smart-toolbox-talk
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