March is National Nutrition Month

For Immediate Release – 2/22/21

MESKWAKI DIABETES PREVENTION PROGRAM HOSTS ACADEMY OF NUTRITION PROGRAM WITH “PERSONALIZE YOUR PLATE” AND OTHER ACTIVITIES DURING MARCH’S NATIONAL NUTRITION MONTH® 2021

Developing a healthful eating pattern is not a one-size-fits all endeavor. The key is tailoring your favorite foods to meet your individual nutrient needs.

In March, the Academy focuses attention on healthful eating through National Nutrition Month® and the Meskwaki Diabetes Prevention Program is happy to participate. This year’s theme, Personalize Your Plate, promotes creating nutritious meals to meet individuals’ cultural and personal food preferences.

“America is a cultural melting pot, so you can’t expect everyone’s food choices to look the same,” said registered dietitian nutritionist Su-Nui Escobar, a national spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in Miami, Fla. “Eating is meant to be a joyful experience. As supermarkets increasingly diversify their shelves to meet the needs of their customers, it’s becoming easier to create nutritious meals that align with a variety of cultural preferences.”

During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy encourages everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits they can follow all year long. “Variety is the spice of life and that’s how people should view their meals,” Escobar said. Spice up your menus with the foods and flavors you enjoy and add new flavors to spark excitement in your cooking. “Developing healthful eating habits does not require drastic lifestyle changes. A registered dietitian nutritionist can help you incorporate the foods you enjoy into your life.”

At Meskwaki Health clinic Dietitian Jennifer Scales and the Wellness team will host some fun events to promote learning more about healthy eating including:

  • SettFit Challenge Part 2 will be starting March 1st.
  • Each week Jennifer will share Nutrition tips, recipes, or information on Wellness Facebook.
  • Iowa State stay Independent Series will be offered: This healthy aging series will be offered via Zoom noon on Wednesdays in March. See class schedule below:  (Contact Jennifer for the Zoom link).

 

March 3

Noon

 

Power Up with Protein

 

·         Food sources of protein

·         Recommendations for daily intake and portions of protein

·         The importance of eating protein

·         Ways to include protein food in the diet

March 10

Noon

 

Exercise Your Independence

 

·         Benefits of physical activity

·         Tips for staying physically active

·         Ways to incorporate physical activity into daily routine

March 17

Noon

 

Brain Health

 

·         Explain how aging affects the brain.

·         Review the MIND diet.

·         Provide resources that support brain health

·         Discuss ways to participate in brain simulating activities.

March 24 Noon

 

Cooking for 1 or 2

 

·         Recommended intake and how to incorporate different food groups according to MyPlate

·         Appropriate cooking tools to prepare simple, semi-homemade recipes

·         Importance of following safe food preparation methods

·         Planning for grocery shopping and items to stock up on

 

  • Take and Make Cooking demo on March 24 at 2 PM via the Meskwaki Wellness’s Facebook page. Jennifer and Health Educator Ashley Aylsworth be going “live” to showcase a quick and easy breakfast.
  • March 31 at noon the Diabetes Prevention Program will be playing Diabetes bingo virtual on zoom. (Contact Jennifer to obtain your bingo card.)
  • Let Jennifer know how she can help you Personalize Your Plate during National Nutrition Month! Call Jennifer Scales at 641-484-4094 or email at [email protected]

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.  As part of National Nutrition Month®, the Academy’s website will host resources to spread the message of good nutrition and the importance of an overall healthy lifestyle for all. Follow National Nutrition Month® on the Academy’s social media channels including Facebook and Twitter using #NationalNutritionMonth.

Visit the Academy at www.eatright.org for more information.

 

National Nutrition Month 2021 Logo