CARTERET COUNTY, NC (March 7, 2023) – March is National Nutrition Month, and the theme for this year is “Fuel for the Future.” National Nutrition Month is an annual education campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The goal of the campaign is to raise awareness about all food choices, and to develop sound eating and physical activity habits.
This year’s theme, “Fuel for the Future,” encourages us to keep sustainability in mind when making healthy food choices throughout all stages of life. Sustainable nutrition fuels our bodies while protecting the environment. Some examples of sustainable nutrition are: choosing foods that are more plant based, have minimal packaging, shopping locally, buying foods in season and growing your own garden. The Academy reminds us that we can chose healthful foods that we enjoy, celebrate our culture and are budget friendly all with a little planning ahead.
“Good nutrition doesn’t have to be restrictive or overwhelming,” said Allyson Funtal, Nutritionist with the Carteret County Health Department. “The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutrient needs. For those wondering how to get started, speaking with a registered dietitian can be an important step. These health professionals can help fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternatives to cooking methods and offer other helpful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals.”
The Carteret County Health Department can serve as a valuable resource as you look to expand your food horizons this month. For more information, call 252-728-8550.
National Nutrition Month was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. To learn more about nutrition and National Nutrition Month, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website at eatright.org.
WIC is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women, infants, and children. The program provides nutrition education and supplements the diet of the target population with approved foods that are chosen based on their nutritive content. Find out more at ncdhhs.gov/ncwic.
###