A Healthy Vision

Courtesy of Independent Health’s Corporate Wellness Team

National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. During the month of March, people of all ages are invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

The theme of this year’s National Nutrition Month is “Food Connects Us” and will highlight how food is a connecting factor for us and the many ways it impacts our health throughout life. As part of this four-week initiative, we encourage everyone to embrace the value of different cuisines and traditions while integrating them into a balanced and healthy diet.

Here are just some of the ways you can participate in the “Food Connect Us” campaign and eat healthier this month:

• Plan to eat more meals at home with your family or friends. Cooking at home is a great way to connect with your food, your loved ones and your culture. Not only does developing healthy eating habits with a supportive system around you help you stay accountable, but it also gives you the chance to make meaningful connections with one another which can help strengthen your social health as well.

• Try adding a new cultural dish or ingredient to one of your meals each week and use it as a learning opportunity for you and your family. Let your family know ahead of time what part of the world your new recipe or ingredient came from and have them all bring a fun fact about that region to talk about while you eat.

• Turn grocery shopping into a learning experience by discovering where the food you are purchasing comes from, what dishes it is most prominent in and how different cultures may prepare it.

• Focus on balanced and sustainable habits. Conflicting claims, testimonials and hype by online influencers can confuse even the most informed consumers about what to eat (or not eat). Learn how to steer clear of fad diets and focus on sustainable eating habits.

• Schedule a time to connect with a registered dietitian and develop a plan to meet your health goals. Use this opportunity to reflect on your health and well-being goals and how your nutritional intake can play a key role in meeting those goals.

• Educate yourself on the importance of food sustainability and what you can do to help create a food system that delivers food security and nutrition for all. Take the steps to properly store produce and other foods to avoid waste, explore food recovery options within your community or consider growing your own vegetable garden this summer.

For more information related to nutrition and health, from meal planning and prep to choices that can help prevent or manage health conditions, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website.

Get rewarded for purchasing fresh produce

Independent Health members may be eligible to receive a $1 credit back for every $2 they spend on fresh fruits and vegetables at Tops Friendly Markets? Learn more about Independent Health’s Nutrition Benefit by visiting our website.