National Nutrition Month

March is known for celebrating and spreading awareness for many things like Women's History Month, Poetry Month, Irish-American Month, etc. This month is also known for National Nutrition Month. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly known as American Dietetic Association) created this annual campaign to educate the public on information about nutrition. It began as "National Nutrition Week" in 1973 and expanded to a month in 1980 in response to growing public interest in nutrition. The campaign theme changes each year, but it always focuses on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year's theme for the campaign is "Eat Right with Color." Many dietitians and nutritionists recommend adding some colorful fruits and vegetables to your meals because they have healthy benefits. Some of the many benefits are listed below:

• Green produce indicates antioxidant potential and may help promote healthy vision and reduce cancer risks.

• Orange and deep yellow fruits and vegetables contain nutrients that promote healthy vision and immunity, and reduce the risk of some cancers.

• Purple and blue options may have antioxidant and anti-aging benefits and may help with memory, urinary tract health and reduced cancer risks.

• Red indicates produce that may help maintain a healthy heart, vision, immunity and may reduce cancer risks.

• White, tan and brown foods sometimes contain nutrients that may promote heart health and reduce cancer risks.

If meals seem to be lackluster when it comes to color give the plate a little life and paint it with vibrant fruits and vegetables. That way a habit of healthy eating is being developed. Add a little exercise a few days per week to maximize this healthy habit.
   
(Courtesy of eatright.org)