Featured Student: National Nutrition Month - Are You Involved?

By Janet Zimmerman

As you probably know by now, it is National Nutrition Month.  This means for a month there will be extra events all around the country that promote health and nutritious food choices.  I love ADA’s motto this year “Eat Right With Color” because this is such a simple, yet genius, plan for eating better. 

A few months ago at a buffet I heard a mother tell her two children to make their plates as colorful and beautiful as they could.  Her kids left, headed for the salad bar, and came back with beautiful plates full of fruits and vegetables.  I was amazed and excited all at once.  1) The kids did not feel like they were being made to eat a plate full of nutrient dense produce because their mother made healthy eating fun. 2) It showed that color and appeal truly do have something to do with satiety and our excitement for foods.  Needless to say, I was very excited to hear that this years National Nutrition Month’s motto is “Eat Right with Color”.

As the President of SDA at my school, this is a busy month for us.  There are many different health fairs that hospitals, RD’s, schools, and non-profit organizations put on for the people in our community, and many times as the SDA we are asked to have a display.  This past Saturday we had a display promoting healthy living for all ages at a family run/walk event.  We talked about meal and snack ideas that are yummy, colorful, and filled with nutrient-packed fruits and vegetables.  Later this month, we also have Meals on Wheels home deliveries to do and a display at the VA hospital.  

There are so many opportunities for us as dietetic students to get out, get experience, and help educate people on food choices and healthy living.  Have you been able to be a part of National Nutrition Month activities? Do you have a good idea or experience for NNM?  I’d love to hear from you in the comments section!