Being healthy and in-shape is a goal for millions of people across the country. At the start of the new year, many people set New Year’s Resolutions for themselves with the hopes of improving their overall physique, health, and well-being. They set out to exercise more and lose weight. Physical fitness becomes a passion for many people. They set fitness goals for themselves that they then dedicate their year to achieving. However, heading to the gym and working out is only half the battle. A good workout regime cannot compensate for a poor diet. You must give yourself the right amount of nutrients if you ever want to achieve your fitness goals.

Eating right doesn’t just help you lose weight and stay in better shape. It also helps young children’s bodies grow and develop, helping them become healthy and strong teenagers and, eventually, young adults. Nutrition is key to improving the overall health and well-being of your body. With that in mind, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created National Nutrition Month! This month is celebrated throughout the entirety of March. During March, you are encouraged to put a focus on making informed food choices, developing healthy eating habits, and engaging in physical activity.

Fitness Nation understands that fitness isn’t just about working out and staying active. A diet that provides you with all the nutrients your body needs sets you up for years of success and good health. Join Fitness Nation in celebrating National Nutrition Month this March!

When National Nutrition Month Began

Back in 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, at the time known as the American Dietetic Association (ADA), launched the first National Nutrition Week, promoting the theme “Invest in Yourself – Buy Nutrition.” Countless people welcomed this new week with open arms. They embraced the opportunity to promote nutrition education among the public. With each passing year, National Nutrition Week continued to grow in popularity, with more and more individuals joining the movement.

Eventually, due to its immense popularity, National Nutrition Week became National Nutrition Month in 1980, allowing ADA members to expand their efforts and campaigns. As nutrition and the ADA continued to garner more attention, they ultimately published The American Dietic Association Complete Food & Nutrition Guide (1^st ed.), which many still hold in high regard to this day.

In 2012, the American Dietetic Association officially became the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This change was made to better reflect their shifting emphasis on education and science-based nutrition initiatives. This name change was also reflected in their campaigns launched during National Nutrition Month.

2020 Theme

The theme for March 2020, as well as the graphics and iconography used in the initiative, are reminiscent of campaigns of the 1970s and ‘80s. This theme, “Eat Right, Bite by Bite,” is designed to be accessible to people of all ages, promoting fun and positive eating habits. With this theme, they state that good nutrition does not have to be restrictive or overwhelming. There is no need to overhaul your life in order to make nutrition a priority. Small changes in your lifestyle and diet can have cumulative healthful impacts on your life. No matter how big or small, any healthy nutritional choice is a step in the right direction.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics lists four vital ways you can “Eat Right, Bite by Bite.”

• Vary Your Diet
• Meal Planning
• Cook & Prep
• Visit a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

They also provide useful campaign toolkits so you can spread nutrition information to those around you. These include tip sheets (both in English and Spanish), activities, planning materials, and much more.

How Can You Celebrate

National Nutrition Month is the perfect time to reset your eating habits and make nutrition a priority in your life. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has provided plenty of information and activities for you to use to participate this month. You can also celebrate by:

• Getting Active. Yes, we stated that to reach your fitness goals and be healthy, you can’t rely on exercise alone. However, a combination of a nutritional diet and a strict workout regime, whether lifting weights or cardio, will help you keep your body healthy and in shape.
• Experiment in the Kitchen. Far too many people think that eating healthy means eating boring. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. There are hundreds of healthy and nutritional recipes available to the public that will ignite your taste buds and spice up your meals.
• Drink More Water. It is no secret that drinking the recommended six or more glasses of water a day puts your body in a better position to succeed. We understand that reaching this goal every day can be difficult, but it can go a long way in improving your health. Replace sugary drinks or caffeinated beverages with water instead to help.
• Add Natural Colors to Your Meals. Throw some natural color on your plate. We’re talking about bright greens from crunchy vegetables or vibrant colors like red, yellow, or orange from fruits. Not only will your meal look good, but it will provide your body with the nutrients it needs.
• Involve Your Children. It is incredibly important to teach your children the importance of eating healthy at a young age. Start your children on fun, nutritional meals early so that they grow up healthy and develop nutritional eating habits.

Join Fitness Nation

Making a commitment to your overall health and well-being is a decision many Americans make year after year. However, not as many people make that commitment as they should. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics promotes National Nutrition Month every March to promote the power of making informed eating decisions and establishing healthy eating habits. Whether you are an adult looking to reset your diet, or a parent hoping to instill healthy eating habits in their young children, the month of March is the perfect time to do so. Join Fitness Nation in celebrating National Nutrition Month this year.