Cranes Mill Celebrates National Nutrition Month

Happy National Nutrition Month!

Celebrated annually in March, National Nutrition Month is a nutrition education campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses on the importance of making informed food choices, developing healthy eating habits, and increasing physical activity. This year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day,” which encourages a personalized approach to eating healthier food, as lifestyle, cultural traditions, and health concerns all impact our individual food choices.

Now is a great time to rediscover the benefits of healthier eating habits and physical fitness, especially concerning brain health. As we age, we tend to forget things more easily. However, new research has shown that we can do things to help keep our minds sharp. We all know we need to exercise to keep our hearts and bodies healthy, but physical activity also increases blood flow and oxygen to the brain and can improve focus and concentration. Leisure activities, including board games, crossword puzzles, playing musical instruments, and reading are also great exercises for our minds. In addition, eating right may help to reduce the risk of developing dementia. Consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables, fatty fish (e.g. salmon, mackerel, and tuna), nuts, seeds, and whole grains may slow the risk of cognitive decline. Challenge yourself to add at least one of these habits to your routine each week this month as your way of participating in National Nutrition Month!

Crane’s Mill joins the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics in celebrating the 40th anniversary of National Nutrition Month with our very own special theme, “Taste Your Way to Wellness.” Our theme was created to promote the importance of individualized food preferences while making smart choices. By tasting a variety of delicious healthy dishes and learning about how they are prepared and why they are good for your health, you can make the right choices that are customized to your personal taste. During the month of March, we will be dedicating a week to highlight four important types of foods: whole grains, healthy fats, plant-based proteins, and “better for you” drinks. We will also be raffling off some great National Nutrition Month memorabilia as well as providing handouts and recipes!

Jennifer Lin, MS, RD