National Nutrition Month Highlights the Importance of Healthy Food Choices
Health Department of Northwest Michigan (HDNW) is inviting residents to kick off March by celebrating National Nutrition Month. This annual observance, organized by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, encourages people to find a balance between healthy eating habits and regular physical activity.
Each year, National Nutrition Month focuses on a specific theme, this year’s theme is “Food Connects Us.” Throughout the month, a variety of activities and initiatives are available for you and your family to participate in and celebrate.
- Connect with Your Food: HDNW invites you to deepen your connection with food. Explore where your food comes from, discover new ways to prepare it, and learn about valuable community resources available at HDNW such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC). These services can help you to access nutritious food.
- Connect with a Nutrition Expert: This may seem more challenging than the first activity but HDNW makes it simple through our Community Connections (CC) program. CC connects residents with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) who can provide personalized nutrition advice for you and your family. By working with a RDN you’ll receive tailored guidance to address your specific health needs and develop a customized plan that works for you.
- Explore the Connection between Food and Culture: This is all about having fun with your food! Ever thought about trying a new recipe but hesitated because you’re unsure how it will turn out? Now’s the perfect time to experiment! Try new ingredients or techniques, and explore cultural dishes or traditions. If you don’t have any favorites yet, this is your chance to discover something new—you might be surprised by what you enjoy. One exciting recipe to try, shared by HDNW’s RDN, Judi Marlin, is a mixed bean chili with corn, squash, and pumpkin. Not only is it packed with fiber and flavor, but is a good source of plant based protein and also a delicious vegetarian option.
- Build the Connection Across All Stages of Life: As we age, our nutrient needs evolve. Older adults typically require fewer calories but greater amounts of key nutrients, such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, fiber, and protein, to maintain optimal health. Prioritizing these nutrients is essential for supporting overall health and well-being later in life.
“Food serves as a powerful connection for many of us, sharing a meal offers the perfect opportunity to learn about its preparation, where the food is sourced from, and who made it,” says Marlin. “We all eat everyday so celebrate National Nutrition Month by recognizing those connections made through food.”
To learn more about nutritional needs for older adults click here. To access the mixed bean chili recipe, click here. If you are interested in staying up to date on the latest health related news, click here to subscribe to our monthly newsletter. Here are 50 ways to celebrate National Nutrition Month.
