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
