National Nutrition Month: 'It's a Matter of Fact'

  • Published
  • By Jacqueline Maillet
  • Health and Wellness Center Registered Dietician
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  March is National Nutrition Month. The theme for this year's promotion is, "Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact." Help the Health and Wellness Center celebrate by joining us in the following activities.

March 14 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Smoothie demonstration in the Commissary produce department. Learn how easy it is to eat the recommended five to nine servings of fruits and vegetables every day. We will have handy give-a-ways with a grand prize drawing.

March 21 from noon to 1 p.m. Fact and Fiction presentation at the HAWC with healthy snack demonstration.

March 24 to 28 - Judging of Loy Elementary poster contest. Winning entries will be displayed in the Commissary and we will conduct activities with children at the Youth Center and Child Development Center.

The following tips are from the American Dietetic Association. 

Top 10 Nutrition Facts:
1. Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use mypyramid.gov to develop a personalized plan. 

2. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Before adopting any changes, be sure the information is based in scientific fact. 

3. Get your food and nutrition facts from the expert: a registered dietitian. RDs are uniquely qualified to translate the science of nutrition into reliable advice. 

4. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is your best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness. 

5. Think nutrient-rich rather than "good" or "bad" foods. Most of our food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals and fiber, and be low in calories. 

6. No single food or meal makes or breaks a healthful diet. 

7. Prepare, handle and store food properly. 

8. Don't fall prey to food myths and misinformation that may harm rather than benefit your health. 

9. Read food labels to get nutrition facts that help you make smart food choices. 

10. Find the healthy fats when making food choices. Choose polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats.