National Nutrition Month

Happy National Nutrition Month!

Nutrition is key to a healthy and happy life. It’s about the food we eat and how it fuels our bodies for everyday tasks. It’s not just about diets or calories; it’s about giving our bodies the nutrients they need to stay strong and energized.

Prioritizing nutrition in your life brings incredible benefits:

Better Health: Good nutrition supports our immune system, digestion, and reduces the risk of diseases like heart disease and diabetes.
More Energy: Choosing nutrient-rich foods keeps energy levels steady throughout the day.
Clearer Mind: Eating brain-boosting nutrients improves focus, concentration, and mood.
Healthy Weight: Sustainable weight management is about smart food choices and building healthy habits.

Enhanced Quality of Life: Nourishing our bodies with nutritious foods helps us feel stronger, and ready to take on life’s challenges with confidence.

March is National Nutrition Month, a time of celebration and empowerment! At Cameron County Public Health, we’re thrilled to be part of the movement towards healthier eating habits and improved well-being.

Originally launched as National Nutrition Week in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, it expanded to a month-long observance in 1980. Throughout March, Americans are encouraged to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits.

This year’s theme, “Beyond the Table,” emphasizes not only the importance of healthy eating and tips for incorporating it into our daily lives but also highlights the impact of food choices on the environment.

Our food choices affect not only us but also the health of our environment and planet.

As we celebrate "Beyond the Table" this National Nutrition Month, EatRight.org offers some tips to remind us of its significance.

Stay Nourished on a Budget

Some of the ways we can get creative to stay nourished on a budget:

Learn New Cooking Skills: Don’t be afraid to learn new cooking, food preparation, and meal planning skills. Experiment with new recipes and practice your culinary techniques to make meals more cost-effective.
Involve Your Children: If you have children, make it a habit to involve them in cooking and meal planning. Not only does this engage them in the process, but it also teaches them about proper nutrition and how to prepare healthier meals.
Make a Grocery List: Develop a habit of making a grocery list to stay focused and avoid unnecessary purchases. Take advantage of sales and be mindful when shopping for food items.
Explore Community Resources: Explore and learn about community resources such as WIC, SNAP, and local food banks, which can provide help with food costs.
Practice Food Safety: Ensure food safety at home by practicing regular handwashing, promptly refrigerating perishable foods, cooking raw foods to the proper temperature, and maintaining a clean cooking area to prevent cross-contamination.

Make an Appointment with a Local Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Find an RDN who specializes in your unique needs.
Receive personalized nutrition information to meet your health goals.
Learn about the many ways RDNs can help people live healthier lives.

Ask your healthcare provider if they can refer you to a registered dietitian. RDNs can provide specialized guidelines tailored to your individual needs. You can also access RDN services through community programs, such as the WIC Program, which offers free services for your children.

Explore New Food and Taste a Variety of Foods from All Food Groups.

-Include your favorite cultural foods and traditions.

-Eat foods in various forms including fresh, frozen, canned, and dried.

-Experiment with recipes using different ingredients.

-Try new foods or global cuisines.

We are often most comfortable sticking to our cultural foods and traditions, limiting ourselves from trying and exploring new foods. Learn to explore and try new food and flavors, and don’t be afraid to experiment with recipes that call for ingredients you may not traditionally use.

Recipes and Meal Ideas:

Discover delicious and nutritious recipes, Texas WIC and the USDA’s ChooseMyPlate offer a variety of meal ideas to help you create wholesome and satisfying dishes for your family.

Recipes (eatright.org)

Recipes | Texas WIC

Eat with the Environment in Mind

Shop Local: Buy foods in season and support local farmers’ markets and vendors whenever possible.
Incorporate Plant-Based Meals: Work to include more plant-based meals in your diet to reduce environmental impact.
Reduce Food Waste: Be mindful of portion sizes to avoid waste, and find creative ways to use leftovers.
Teach Sustainability: Show kids the value of starting a garden to grow their vegetables and fruits. Make a composting bin together to teach them about composting and its benefits to the environment.

References:

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

Texas WIC

USDA Dietary Guidelines

Our Clinics

Programs

Joe. G. Rivera & Aurora de la Garza | Cameron County Annex Building

1390 W. Expressway 83
San Benito, Texas 78586

956 247-3685