ALEXANDRIA, La. (KALB) – March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focused on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.”
According to the American Heart Association, 50% of daily calories in the average U.S. diet come from ultra-processed foods.
Nutrition experts recommend choosing foods from all food groups, alternating food choices to get a variety of nutrients, and avoiding diets that promote unnecessary restrictions. Those unsure of where to start are encouraged to meet with a registered dietitian to build a healthy eating plan.
Margaret Deshotel, a registered dietitian for CHRISTUS St. Frances Cabrini Hospital, said hydration is a key focus of nutrition guidance.
“One of the main things that we focus on with nutrition is staying very hydrated, especially now that it’s starting to warm up,” Deshotel said. “We generally recommend people drink 8 to 10 cups of fluid or water every day and reduce their sugar, sweet beverage consumption, as well as choosing lean protein options, and we also want people to get adequate amount of fiber each day through fruits and vegetables, especially in season ones and then also getting in enough whole grains daily.”
Deshotel said mindful eating can also support a healthy nutrition routine.
“You want to make sure that when you go to eat, you’re not so hungry that you’re hurting, you’re feeling terrible,” Deshotel said. “You want to focus on your plate in front of you and eat slowly without distractions like the TV or scrolling on your phone, and that kind of just helps you focus on your meal, and then if you finish your portion, you want to wait a couple of minutes. Let your body and your gut catch up with your brain so that you can send signals to your brain like, Hey, I’m full or I really would like some more. I think portion size is really important for balancing your daily eating.”
Meal prepping lunches before the week begins can help avoid fast food when schedules get busy, providing a quick option to heat up rather than eating out.
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