March is National Nutrition Month and according to www.eatright.org “National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign sponsored annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. NNM also promotes the Academy and its members to the public and the media as the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically based food and nutrition information.”
The Free Dictionary defines nutrition as: 1.) The process of nourishing or being nourished, especially the process by which a living organism assimilates food and uses it for growth and replacement of tissues. 2.) The science or study that deals with food and nourishment, especially in humans. 3.) A source of nourishment: food
The Medical Dictionary, The Free Dictionary says: Good nutrition can help prevent disease and promote health. There are six categories of nutrients that the body needs to acquire from food: protein, carbohydrates, fat, fibers, vitamins, minerals, and water.
After reading these definitions, I would venture to say that a lot of people do not think of all this when making food and drink choices. Food is supposed to be what fuels your body to perform its tasks and at its best while staying healthy and providing you with quality of life. When one begins to think of food as fuel, it can help one to make better choices. We are what we eat – and we have the power to choose life or death by what we put into our mouths.
As I’m sitting on my couch and typing this blog, I see a commercial for cookies that are being advertised as having more calcium than a glass of milk, as much Vitamin C as a cup of blueberries, as much fiber as a bowl of oatmeal, etc. Do you know where those nutrients are coming from???? A chemical!!! The cookie does not grow on a plant or tree and naturally have those vitamins, minerals, etc….. I’m sorry but it’s better to get your nutrients from the glass of milk, the cup of blueberries, and the oatmeal. You will feel much fuller if you eat all that versus eating one cookie.
Point One – get your nutrients from a source that grows on a plant, a tree, a vine. Packaged, processed food usually means vitamins and minerals that are “sprayed” on them.
The theme this year for National Nutrition Month is to “Eat Right With Color – Splash Some Color on Your Plate.” The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics wants you to make healthy choices by incorporating a colorful variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and dairy into your meals every day.
Point Two – When you stick to foods that grow on a plant, a tree or a vine, color is ABUNDANT. The dark greens of leafy vegetables and certain herbs – the deep rich hues of berries and grapes – the bright sunny colors of citrus fruits – the choices are endless.
Point Three – Be adventurous….don’t stay stuck in a rut!!! Try a fruit or vegetable that you have never eaten before. Try a new item every day….31 days of adventure. Discovered a great blog written by another Angela (great name, right???) and she’s written a blog about her 31-day adventures in produce. Check it out and try it for yourself. http://thecouponproject.com/adventures-in-produce-the-series
The Internet is an abundant resource of ideas, recipes, information – use it to your advantage. Sit down with a glass of water or a cup of hot tea and plan how you will participate in National Nutrition Month. Let me know how you do and the discoveries you make while making healthy choices to nourish your body, mind, and spirit.
I am going to continue my Vegetarian lifestyle that I began on January 2nd and will try some bok choy, kale, goji berries, and pomelo.
Join in me in splashing some color into your day and on your plate!
Angela Prather 
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