March is National Nutrition Month and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages us all to consider how we nourish ourselves and our families through food choices, not only this month, but as a lifelong endeavor for better nutrition and health. It is an opportunity to embrace food as nutrition and fuel for our everyday lives. Lovelace dietitian and nutritionist, Teresa Anderson, RDN, LD CDE, explains the focus of this year’s campaign. “Food is an important part of our traditions and social experiences,” she says. “The theme for National Nutrition Month is ‘Savor the Flavor of Eating Right’. This theme encourages us to enjoy food and appreciate the pleasures and great flavors food can add to our lives.”
Teresa enjoys the opportunity of working with patients on exploring new options for truly savoring nutritious foods, while building diets that support better health. That perspective on nutrition is the message this campaign would like the public to embrace. “The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ wholesome eating messages highlight balancing food and beverages within an individual's energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food, nutrient or meal,” Teresa explains. “To this end, it is the Academy's position that improving overall health and wellbeing necessitates a lifetime promise to healthful everyday behaviors.”
However, with fast-paced lives, our everyday behaviors don’t often support taking the time to experience food. Rather, “convenience” provides ill opportune meals on the go for one out of every four Americans who chose fast food today. And 20 percent of meals eaten today are not around the table, but in a vehicle. America’s eating habits are admittedly in need of a makeover.
“It is possible to enjoy the taste and flavor of food while maintaining a healthy diet,” shares Teresa. “Do take the time to enjoy food traditions, and find creative, healthful and nutritious ways to experience food, rather than eating mindlessly out of convenience.”
An eating pattern based on the recently released 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate recommendations can accommodate the food preferences, cultural tradition and customs of many diverse groups. “Be mindful while eating and make sure to enjoy the sights, sounds, memories and interactions associated with eating,” Teresa adds. If you need guidance, Teresa says resources are available in your community. “A registered dietitian nutritionist (RDN) can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.”
Savoring healthful foods is the starting point, Teresa says. “It is essential we make knowledgeable food choices and develop sound, sustainable eating and physical activity habits,” she says. “Other key messages for National Nutrition Month that I look forward to covering in our next blog include:
o How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat
o Experiment with herbs and spices
o Reduce sugars, sodium and saturated fats
o Include physical activity in your daily plans
o Make sensible snacks part of your healthy eating plans
o Make informed food choices
Dietitian appointments will require a referral from your primary care provider. If you would like to find a Lovelace provider near you, please call Care Concierge at 505-727-2727.