It takes more than a veggie a day for best nutrition
Mark A. Mahoney
National Nutrition Month in the United States is a nutrition education campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics which focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
As we enter the annual celebration of National Nutrition Month we should reiterate the importance of doing our best to follow the nutrition and weight status objectives as detailed in the Healthy People 2020 report, which reflect strong science supporting the benefits of eating a healthful diet and maintaining a healthy body weight.
The objectives also emphasize that efforts to change diet and address weight concerns should address individual behaviors, as well as policies and environments that help enable these behaviors in settings such as schools, worksites, health care organizations and communities in general.
Basic food group guidelines
Some of the basic components of a healthful diet include:
- Consuming a variety of nutrient-dense foods within and across the food groups, especially whole grains, fruits, vegetables, low-fat or fat-free milk or milk products, and lean meats and other protein sources.
- Limiting the intake of saturated and trans fats, cholesterol, added sugars, sodium (salt), and alcohol.
- Limiting caloric intake to meet caloric needs.
Everyone should avoid unhealthy weight gain, and those whose weight is too high may also need to lose weight.
Importance of nutrition and weight
Diet and body weight are related to health status. Good nutrition is important to the growth and development of children.
A healthful diet also helps Americans reduce their risks for many health conditions, including: overweight and obesity, malnutrition, iron-deficiency anemia, heart disease, high blood pressure, dyslipidemia (poor lipid profiles), Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, oral disease, constipation, diverticular (gastrointestinal) disease and some cancers.
Individuals who are at a healthy weight are less likely to: develop chronic disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure and dyslipidemia, develop chronic diseases, such as Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, osteoarthritis, and some cancers, experience complications during pregnancy and, ultimately die at an earlier age.
Dietitians can offer guidance
In order to assist us in addressing the objectives of National Nutrition Month, we must not lose sight of the importance of accurate and timely information in the area of nutrition. For trusted, accurate, timely and practical nutrition information, seek the advice of a registered dietitian (or registered dietitian nutritionist). Through their education, knowledge and experience, RDs (or RDNs) specialize in translating nutrition science into practical advice.
Among many valuable health services, a registered dietitian can help you overcome eating disorders; set realistic weight loss and weight management goals for yourself and your family; and achieve your optimal athletic performance.
Remember that there is no “magic bullet” for safe and healthful weight management. The most successful weight management is a lifelong process. This means adopting a lifestyle that includes a healthful eating plan, coupled with regular physical activity.
Information & resources
A good resource titled “Eating Right for a Healthy Weight” (part of a tool kit with many additional resources) is available through the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics provides a good summary of key points and questions.
For this resource as well as many others go to the following website from the Academy for Nutrition and Dietetics: eatright.org
Objectives from the Healthy People 2020 report which includes nutrition and weight status and physical activity (amongst many other topics) is available at healthypeople.gov.
Mark Mahoney has been a Registered Dietitian/Nutritionist for over 35 years and completed graduate studies in Public Health at Columbia University. He can be reached at [email protected].
Never miss a story: Subscribe to the Tallahassee Democrat using the link at the top of the page.
