Quick & Easy Ideas for National Nutrition Month

Did National Nutrition Month (NNM) sneak up on you this year? Don't worry! Here's a quick and easy guide to NNM, including resources (some free!) you can use with messaging from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND). Week 1: Eat a variety of nutritious foods.

• Learn to read food labels.
• Include healthful foods from all food groups.
• Incorporate your favorite cultural foods and traditions.

Resources:

• Anything in our Food Label Theme
• Food label bookmarks
• Food label floor sticker
• FDA’s Tip Card: Quick Tips for Reading the Nutrition Facts Label
• Anything under our MyPlate Theme
• MyPlate wrist bands
• MyPlate Floor Sticker
• USDA has lots of graphics and sample social media posts about MyPlate
• USDA's Start Simple with MyPlate student lesson plan
• Go to AND's NNM Toolkit page and scroll down to Individual Toolkit Files. You'll find handouts on Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisine.

Week 2: See a registered dietitian.

• Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.
• Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
• Receive personalized information to meet your health goals.

Resources:

• Promote yourself and all registered dietitians using AND's ideas for Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day (March 9)
• AND Video: What a Registered Dietitian Can Do for You

Week 3: Plan your meals and snacks.

• Choose healthful recipes to make during the week.
• Use a grocery list to shop for nutritious food.
• Make healthful food and drink choices when away from home.

Resources:

• Recipe cards
• MyPlate Kitchen site has tons of healthy recipes and there’s even a video playlist on YouTube
• Healthy Meals Start in the Kitchen poster (comes with a healthy shopping list)
• Shop Simple with MyPlate App and related graphics and sample social media posts from MyPlate
• Dine Out the Smart Way color handout
• Eating on the Go color handout

Week 4: Create tasty foods at home.

• Learn cooking and meal prep skills.
• Try new flavors and foods from around the world.
• Enjoy your meals with friends or family, when possible.

Resources:

• Learn to Cook Workbook for Adults and Kids
• Lighten Up Your Cooking handout
• Menu planning tools
• MyPlate Weekly Meal Plan
• Go to AND's NNM Toolkit page and scroll down to Individual Toolkit Files. You'll find handouts on Asian Indian, Chinese, Filipino, Latin American, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
• Family Meals Movement

By Hollis Bass, MEd, RD, LD