March 1-31

National Nutrition Month

Let's make National Nutrition Month count by eating healthy and living a balanced lifestyle!

Yearly Date
March 1
Type
Month

Introduction

It's time to get healthy and make good food choices as we celebrate National Nutrition Month on March 1! This yearly event, established by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973, is a great reminder that all of us should be more mindful of our diets. Making smart food choices can help with weight management, reduce risks for illnesses and diseases, improve moods and energy levels, and even increase lifespan. So get ready to take your diet to the next level this National Nutrition Month – you'll be glad you did!

National Nutrition Month Timeline

1917
Establishment of AND
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND), initially known as the American Dietetic Association, was established to progress the science of nutrition and dietetics.
1973
Creation National Nutrition Week
The AND launched National Nutrition Week to escalate public awareness on the significance of good nutrition.
1980
First Dietary Guidelines
The first Dietary Guidelines for Americans was published, provididng crucial nutrition advice to the general public.
1984
National Nutrition Month Established
National Nutrition Week was expanded to a month and renamed National Nutrition Month, promoting nutrition education and information countrywide.
2000
National 5 A Day
The National 5 A Day for Better Health program advocated the consumption of at least 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
2010
Let's Move Campaign
First Lady Michelle Obama launched the Let's Move campaign, fostering a healthy lifestyle among the youth to tackle childhood obesity.

How to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

1

Cook a healthy meal

Try a new healthy recipe and enjoy the delicious flavor of nutritious ingredients. Look up some recipes online or find a cookbook that features healthy meals.

2

Grow your own food

Start your own vegetable garden or start a compost heap to give back to the earth. This is a great way to get fresh, organic produce right in your own backyard.

3

Eat out healthy

Check out local restaurants that offer healthy options, or try cooking at home with locally sourced ingredients. Eating out can be just as nutritious as eating at home.

4

Educate yourself on nutrition

Read books, magazines, or online articles about nutrition and healthy eating habits. Learning about nutrition will help you make better decisions when it comes to food.

5

Make a healthy snack

Pack yourself a nutritious snack for work or school that is sure to keep you full and energized throughout the day. Try making homemade trail mix with nuts, dried fruit, and dark chocolate chips.

Why National Nutrition Month is Important

A

Nutrition has a significant impact on overall health

The food we consume every day has an enormous impact on our overall health. Eating a balanced and nutritious diet may help reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and obesity. A healthy and well-rounded diet can also provide us with the nutrients needed to meet our daily energy needs, boost immunity, and improve physical performance.

B

Good nutrition helps protect against disease

Adequate intake of vitamins and minerals is essential for protecting against various illnesses and diseases. For example, consuming foods rich in vitamin C can help to boost immunity and ward off colds, while increasing your intake of certain B vitamins may help to fight fatigue and depression. Eating plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can also reduce the risk of cancer.

C

Nutrition helps maintain a healthy weight

Eating a balanced and nutritious diet is key for controlling your weight. Consuming too many calories or unhealthy fats can lead to weight gain, while eating fewer calories than you need may cause you to lose weight unintentionally. Eating the right amount of good quality food can help you keep your energy levels up while avoiding unnecessary excess calorie intake.

National Nutrition Month Dates

Year
Date
Day
2023
Feb 28
Tuesday
2024
Feb 29
Thursday
2025
Feb 28
Friday
2026
Feb 28
Saturday
2027
Feb 28
Sunday