March is National Nutrition Month®
Celebrate Healthy Eating in Orange County!
About National Nutrition Month®
National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition campaign sponsored annually in March by the American Dietetic Association (ADA). The campaign highlights the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
This year's campaign theme is “Nutrition from the Ground Up.” The ADA wants to remind everyone that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics: build your nutritional health from the ground up. You can improve you health with even minor weight reduction (5-10% weight loss). Additionally, you can improve your health by adopting a healthy lifestyle-eating smart and moving more-even if you don’t lose weight. Start slowly and build a good foundation for becoming healthier for a lifetime.
Nutrition from the Ground Up: What it Takes
Eating right and staying fit are important no matter what your age is. Feel your best by making healthy food choices and being physically active every day. Remember that eating right does not have to be difficult. Start with changes like these from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans:
• Emphasize fruit, vegetables, whole grain, low-fat or fat-free milk and milk products
• Include lean meats, poultry, fish, beans, eggs and nuts
• Maintain a diet low in saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt (sodium) and added sugars
Events and Activities for Orange County
For Orange County Seniors
Back to Basics for Healthy Weight Loss: Participants will learn how to eat right and stay fit by making healthy lifestyle choices and being physically active every day. Registered Dietitians will also discuss healthy eating tips and grocery shopping tips using nutrient-rich foods that are packed with energy, protein, vitamins and minerals all from the basic food groups.
March 3rd at the Seymour Senior Center from 11:00am-11:45am
March 16th for the University Mall Walkers Program from 8:30am-9:30amMarch 17th at the Central Orange Senior Center from 11:00am-11:45am
For more information, contact Myra Austin, Department on Aging Wellness Coordinator at 968-2073.
For Orange County Government Employees
Eat Right Challenge: Employees have been challenged to track their exercise and intake of water, fruits, and vegetables for the entire month of March. All participants will win a prize for participating.Walking Day: Orange County employees are also invited to join Wellness Committee members for our second Walking Day on Friday March 12 at lunchtime. Check the HR Wellness Web site for more details.
Employees can contact Nidhi Sachdeva, OCHD Health Promotion Coordinator at 245-2440 for more information.
Celebrate Registered Dietitians
Registered Dietitian Day (RD Day), also celebrated in March, increases awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Visit www.eatright.org for more information.
Healthy Eating Tips and Recipes
Eating Right for a Healthy Weight in Spanish (En Español)
20 Way to Eat More Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains and Dairy
Shop Smart: Get the Facts on Food Labels
National Nutrition Month® 2010 Recipes
Helpful Websites
National Nutrition Month® Campaign
Orange County Diabetes Self-Management Education Program
Eat Smart, Move More NC Campaign
NC Division of Public Health Nutrition Services Branch
For More Information:
Renee Kemske, MPH, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist
rkemske@co.orange.nc.us
Jenni Grover, MS, RD, LDN
Registered Dietitian/Licensed Nutritionist
jgrover@co.orange.nc.us
919-968-2022 ext. 309
919-245-2380