KARAN’S KORNER

March arrives in six days. Do you remember what time of year it is? It is National Nutrition Month.

Whether it’s starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your food to go further by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help reduce food loss and waste.

For National Nutrition Month 2023, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics urges everyone to “fuel for the future”.

Each March, the academy focuses nationwide attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month.

“While millions of Americans worry about how to feed their families, the amount of safe food wasted in the United States is on the rise,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Cordialis Msora-Kasago. “By making small changes to the way we think about eating, we can help reduce food waste.”

The Academy communicates healthful eating messages that emphasize balancing food and beverages within an individual’s energy needs, rather than focusing on any one specific food or meal. It is the Academy’s position that improving overall wellbeing requires a lifelong commitment to healthful lifestyle behaviors, emphasizing lasting and enjoyable eating practices and regular physical activity. “Registered dietitian nutritionists can help all consumers determine the lifestyle balance that provides our bodies with the nutrients we need and still eat the foods we enjoy the most,” Msora-Kasago says.

Initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, the public education campaign became a monthlong observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition.

To commemorate the dedication of registered dietitian nutritionists as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world, the second Wednesday of March is celebrated as “Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day.” This year’s Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day will be celebrated March 14.

As part of National Nutrition Month, the Academy’s website includes articles, recipes, videos, and educational resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds.

Consumers can also follow National Nutrition Month on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using National Nutrition Month.

If you have questions or would like to share some of your tips for working and living in Pecos County with our readers, please call me at the Pecos County AgriLife Extension Services, 432,336-2541. Make sure you check us out on the web or face book. The members of Texas A&M AgriLife will provide equal opportunities in programs and activities, education, and employment to all persons regardless of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation or gender identity and will strive to achieve full and equal employment opportunity throughout Texas A&M AgriLife.