Nutrition Month goes beyond the table with tips for healthy eating | Mark Mahoney

The month of March every year is designated as National Nutrition Month, an annual nutrition education and information campaign focusing on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

In addition, this month promotes the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to the public and media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientific-based food and nutrition information.

Representing more than 112,000 credentialed nutrition and dietetics practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts with a minimum of a graduate degree from an accredited dietetics program and who completed a supervised practice requirement, passed a national exam and continue professional development throughout their careers.

Beyond the Table – National Nutrition Month’s Theme

This year’s theme, Beyond the Table “showcases the importance of an overall healthful lifestyle that takes into account the various ways we eat — not only around the dinner table, but elsewhere such as in schools, restaurants and at events,” says registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) Melissa Ann Prest, an Academy spokesperson.

“This year’s theme also promotes the sustainability of our food system and encourages the public to learn more about how food is grown and produced, what types of foods we eat and how much we waste.”

Academy Spokesperson registered dietitian Theresa Gentile adds that “Thinking beyond the table takes into account the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production and distribution to grocery stores and farmers markets to home food safety and food storage. Check out these healthful eating tips from the Academy of Nutrition.

Stay nourished on any budget

“Limit your restaurant meals and eat at home more often to save money,” Theresa Gentile says. “Plan your menu for the week so that you can make a shopping list of foods that are on sale or in season. For those who are eligible, look into community resources such as SNAP, WIC and local food banks.”

Consult a registered dietitian nutritionist

“Registered dietitian nutritionists are the food and nutrition experts,” Gentile says. “RDNs are uniquely educated and trained to create a personalized treatment plan to help their clients and patients meet their health goals and manage chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity.”

Eat a variety of foods from all food groups

“Whether fresh, frozen, canned or dried, eating foods from all of the food groups will help you meet your nutritional goals,” Gentile says. “Enjoy your cultural mainstays but explore new ingredients and try dishes from around the world to expand your taste buds.”

Eat with the environment in mind

“Get creative with your leftovers by making them into casseroles, sandwiches or soups to avoid wasting food. Eat more plant-based meals and buy more foods in season or from local farmers when possible,” Gentile says.

In the coming columns additional information will be highlighting locally based groups and resources to better inform the public on the health and environmental benefits of supporting these groups and organizations.

Supporting our friends and neighbors as well as becoming engaged with our own individual and group efforts has the potential to contribute to a better quality of life through a healthier (more environmentally-friendly) lifestyle.

Additional topics on nutrition + wellness

Access the following links for Registered Dietitians Nutritionists (RDNs) who explore nutrition and wellness topics in a number of important areas as explained by science with source information. Topics include lifestyle wellness, food groups, sustainable nutrition and pregnancy & early childhood.Looking for General Nutrition and Wellness Tips? (healthyeating.org)

Check out the resource link below for healthy eating patterns including 5 food groups which aid in optimal growth & development & are found to lower risks of chronic disease. These include dairy, vegetables, fruits, grains, and protein. Learn About The Food Groups (healthyeating.org).

Mark A. Mahoney, Ph.D. has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate studies in Nutrition & Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at [email protected].

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Celebrate Nutrition Month with tips and tricks for healthy eating