Celebrate National Nutrition Month With OLIPOP

Happy National Nutrition Month® from the OLIPOP team! Join us as we celebrate a month dedicated to learning all about healthy eating (and drinking!).

In this blog, we’re sharing 5 easy tips to stay healthy this month and every month. Plus recommendations on how registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) can help you make healthier choices at the grocery store and in the kitchen.

Let’s get started…

What Is National Nutrition Month?

Each year during March, we celebrate National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in 1973. The original purpose of the campaign was to invite the public to learn more about making informed food choices with a focus on nutrition.

It all started in 1973 as National Nutrition week. But due to the growing interest in nutrition, it became a month-long observance starting in 1980. Now, 50 years later, we celebrate with the theme for 2023, “Fuel for the Future”. This theme keeps sustainability in mind during each phase of life. It also highlights the role that registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) play in helping Americans create healthy (and sustainable) eating habits.

What Is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)?

Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) are food and nutrition experts who promote National Nutrition Month® to everyday consumers. Never interacted with an RDN before? You can find them in various settings such as hospitals or outpatient clinics, private practice, retail/grocery stores, the food industry, and more. (Pst you can also find them offering nutrition advice in our OLIPOP blog!)

You may want to consider seeing an RDN if you have questions about your nutrition. They’re great resources to turn to because they go through extensive education and training to get that title. RDNs need at least a four-year degree as well as over 1,000 hours of supervised practice in multiple settings. They also need to pass a board certification exam. And in 2024, this degree requirement will change from a bachelor’s to a graduate degree. So you can ensure the advice you are getting is from a well-trained RDN!

Work With Retail or In-Store RDNs

The next time you are visiting your local grocery store, check to see if they have a retail dietitian on staff. Retail or in-store RDNs are a great resource for helping you receive personalized nutrition information to help you meet your health goals. You might find an RDN:

• Conducting a cooking demonstration
• Providing educational tours throughout the store
• Or sharing resources so that you can choose foods and beverages that fit into your unique diet

By visiting with an RDN, you can learn about how your nutrient needs may change due to factors such as age, health condition, level of physical activity, and more. If you are someone with a medical condition or have unique nutritional needs, you should ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN.

How to Celebrate National Nutrition Month: Tips From an RDN

Each week during National Nutrition Month®, think about making some small changes to your diet that can help improve your day-to-day nutrition and overall health.

Here are some week-to-week tips that you may want to try in honor of this food and health-focused month. These tips align with the weekly messages for National Nutrition Month® as set by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Tip #1: Eat With the Environment in Mind

• Enjoy more plant-based meals and snacks
• Buy foods in season and shop locally when possible
• OStart a backyard garden to grow food at home
• Buy foods with minimal packaging

Tip #2: See an RDN

• Receive personalized nutrition information from an RDN to help meet your health goals
• Ask your doctor for a referral to an RDN
• Learn how your nutrient needs change throughout the lifecycle

Tip #3: Stay Nourished and Save Money

• Plan your meals and snacks
• Check the back labels of food and drinks to watch out for hidden added sugars
• See what food(s) you have at home before purchasing more
• Use a grocery list and shop sales when purchasing food
• Learn about community resources such as SNAP, WIC, and local food banks

Tip #4: Eat a Variety of Foods From All Food Groups

• Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions
• Eat a diverse range of foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned, and dried
• Avoid fad diets that promote unnecessary restrictions
• Practice gratitude for your body by giving it the fuel it needs

Tip #5: Make Tasty Foods at Home

• Learn cooking and meal preparation skills
• Try new flavors and foods from around the world
• Find creative ways to use leftovers rather than tossing them
• Create happy memories by eating with friends and family when possible

Happy National Nutrition Month® from the OLIPOP team! We hope that we inspire you to make nutrient-dense food and beverage choices this month and every month.

Sources:

1. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month-2023. Accessed February 26, 2023.

Meet our Expert This article is written by Dr. Renee Korczak Ph.D., RDN, CSSD, LD. Renee is an advanced practice registered dietitian nutritionist with expertise in digestive health. Renee has her board specialty in sports dietetics and continues to be active in the digestive health and sports nutrition space. Outside of work, Renee enjoys time with her two children and husband. She enjoys world travel, cooking, and yoga.