BROOKINGS, S.D. — As part of National Nutrition Month® 2020 in March, the SDSU Extension Food and Families Team encourages people to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits.
“During National Nutrition Month®, our team encourages people to check out the many programs, experts and resources that we have available about nutrition and forming healthy habits,” said Jennifer Folliard, SDSU Extension Family and Community Health Field Specialist.
This year’s theme, “Eat Right, Bite by Bite,” selected by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day, planning and creating healthful meals each week, and understanding the value of consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist.
Registered dietitian nutritionists provide recipe ideas, cooking tips and other healthful advice for everyday issues such as cooking dinner or meal preparation for picky eaters. In addition, many registered dietitian nutritionists help clients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and hypertension. They often work as part of a medical team to help clients set nutrition goals to improve their health.
“Making small changes can make a big impact in your overall health” said registered dietitian nutritionist Megan Erickson, an SDSU Extension Nutrition Field Specialist. “Everyone’s eating and activity plans will be different and tailored to them in efforts to reduce and/or prevent chronic disease. And remember – take time to enjoy your food.”
Throughout the month, the Food and Families Team will also be sharing information and highlighting the four registered dietitians that are employed through SDSU Extension on the SDSU Extension Food and Families Facebook page.
National Nutrition Month®
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. The second Wednesday of March is celebrated as Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day to commemorate the dedication of registered dietitian nutritionists as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s celebration will be March 11. Representing more than 100,000 credentialed practitioners, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.
— SDSU Extension
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