National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
The theme for March 2010 is “Nutrition From the Ground Up.”
Here are some tips for practicing good nutrition:
• Focus on fruits and veggies: Most people do not get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet. Aim for at least five servings of fruits and vegetables per day. Also, aim to get a variety a fruits and vegetables to get the nutrients your body needs. If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert or at snack times.
• Look locally: Try the local farmer’s market where you can find fresh foods that were grown locally. This is a great way to support our community too.
• Make calories count: Choose foods that are nutritionally rich from each food group every day. Look for foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients but lower in calories. To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
• Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Add variety to your food choices and try a new food from each of the food groups.
• Find a balance: Balance the calories you take in with the calories you expend by being physically active. Regular physical activity is important for your overall health and fitness, plus it helps control body weight, promotes a feeling of well-being, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases.
Set a goal to include healthier foods into your diet today!
Source: American Dietetic Association, www.eatright.org.

Alexis Golesh is a native of Greenwood, Arkansas. Alexis earned her undergraduate degree from The University of Central Arkansas and her graduate degree from The Oklahoma State University. She is a registered dietitian and has worked as a consultant dietitian and a nutrition education coordinator before coming to The University of Toledo Medical Center.
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This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 23rd, 2010 at 12:03 pm and is filed under Uncategorized.
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