March is National Nutrition Month

Published on March 02, 2023

Weld County, Colorado — This year's theme for National Nutrition Month is "Fuel for the Future." No matter your age or activity level, making healthful food and drink choices will provide your body with energy now and fuel for the future. Plus, the benefits of eating healthfully can add up over time.

Health educators suggest the following strategies to help sustain nutrition goals:

• Stay nourished and save money. When prices of food and other goods go up, buying healthful foods may not feel like a priority. Yet, many healthful foods are filling, cost less overall and help to manage or reduce risks of developing certain chronic diseases. A little planning before shopping can go a long way in choosing foods that are affordable, satisfying and have a higher amount of nutrition. "The most important step to eating healthy on a budget is to create a shopping list before you go to the store" says Mike Schwan, registered dietitian at the Weld County Health Department. "A shopping list also helps prioritize your expenditures, and reduces impulse buying", said Schwan.
• Choose a variety of foods from all food groups. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein foods and dairy all play a role in fueling our bodies. Choosing a variety of healthful foods is important, since foods can differ in the nutrients provided. Follow the federal MyPlate's Daily Recommendations for each food group to get the nutrients you need at each life stage (www.myplate.gov).
• Make tasty foods at home. To increase variety in your eating routine, try new flavors and foods from around the world. Another way to eat healthier and save money is to learn cooking and meal preparation skills. This can help you find creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them.

Finding ways to include the foods you enjoy while getting the nutrients you need is important at any age. The food and drinks we choose can be influences by a variety of things, such as taste, cost, culture, convenience, and cooking skills. Being intentional about making healthy choices that can be enjoyed and sustained is a key contributor to sustained health.

The Health Department offers individualized nutrition counseling by a Registered Dietitian at no cost. Call (970) 304-6420 to schedule an appointment.