Nutrition From the Ground Up

March 7, 2010 1 Comment

March is National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the American Dietetic Association. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Registered Dietitian Day, also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.

So. what does nutrition from the ground up mean? Well, to me, it means starting with the most wholesome ingredients and focusing your meals and recipes around them. With Spring right around the corner (and bathing suits, shorts and tank tops!), there is no better time than now to go back to the basics and build a healthy diet that includes healthy foods from all food groups. Nutrient-rich foods, like fruits and veggies have large amounts of key nutrients for fewer calories. These foods provide vitamins and minerals that the body needs to promote healthy growth, fight illness, increase energy levels and prevent chronic disease. Some nutrient-rich foods I like to focus on include:

-Whole grains, which are high in dietary fiber, B vitamins, iron and magnesium
-Fruits and vegetables, which are a great source of potassium, dietary fiber, folate and vitamins A,C and E
-Low-fat milk and milk products, which provide calcium, vitamin D, protein and potassium
-Lean meats, beans, nuts and seeds which supply protein, iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamin E and magnesium

The “nutrition from the ground up” theme encourages individuals to make use of your local grocery store or a farmer’s market to find great selections of fresh fruits and vegetables. Frozen, canned and dried produce provides greater variety and easier storage of foods particularly in winter when availability and access are limited. To find your local farmer’s market, and help support there growth and development, check out Local Harvest. Use this website to find farmers’ markets, family farms, and other sources of sustainably grown food in your area, where you can buy produce, grass-fed meats, and many other goodies.