March is National Nutrition Month!

This is an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that aims to promote healthy eating and beneficial lifestyle habits through four weeks of fun, inspirational content. The theme for 2021’s National Nutrition Month is “Personalize Your Plate.”

Our families, local communities, and the country as a whole are diverse hubs of culture, tradition, and individuality. Through this theme of personalization, we encourage you and your loved ones to embrace those traits and backgrounds that make us all unique by using food as a way to come together and connect. There is no one-size-fits-all approach in the world of nutrition!

Throughout the past year of challenge and hardship, we realize that what’s on people’s plate may look different for everyone, both literally and figuratively. Take a moment to reflect on how food plays a role in your life, from nourishing your body to bonding with others to exploring your culinary creativity in the kitchen. Consider how you can bring nutrition to the forefront of your mental and physical health through mindful and informed choices. Eating a variety of nutritious foods daily, planning balanced meals and trying new recipes with others are all wonderful ways to fuel mind, body, and soul. For individualized nutrition recommendations and goal setting, reach out to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

Here are some ideas to get involved in National Nutrition Month:

• Start herb or vegetable seeds indoors to create your own vegetable garden. Learning about where foods come from can spark a conversation about locality and sustainability.
• Prepare one new recipe each week with friends or family. Check out the Home Base Recipe Library
• Consider donating non-perishable or canned goods to a local food pantry.
• Host a staff cooking class through Zoom to see everyone’s unique spin on a recipe.
• Make a goal to eat dinner together as a family more frequently during the week.
• Learn more about a food tradition or recipe that has been passed down through your family or culture.

Whatever you do, remember to have fun with it! Everyone’s version of a recipe or balanced plate looks different, and that is something to celebrate.

For more information, check out the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website: 40 Ideas to Get Involved in National Nutrition Month®