Started in March of 1973, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) unveiled a nationwide, week-long campaign to promote awareness of heath and fitness. But, by March of 1980, the general public’s interest in nutrition required an increase to a month-long nutritional crusade—hence, National Nutrition Month was born. Helping bear the brunt, the ADA tirelessly promotes the often tiring subjects of health and fitness for the entire month of March, so that we all might live healthier, happier lives—not to mention slide into that summer bathing suit.
The ADA, taken verbatim from their website (www.eatright.org), defines National Nutrition Month under these terms: “The campaign is designed to focus attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.” The methods for achieving the aforementioned objectives are manifold, but the ADA stresses the importance of moderation, variety, fitness, as well as tailoring a dietary program to suit your taste and needs.
Varying one’s diet, the ADA claims, not only promotes the adventurous side of eating habits, but—more importantly—subsequently exposes people to a variety of different vitamin and nutrient sources. Variety is not only the spice of life, but also the spice of good nutrition.
Deciding upon what dietary or fitness measures need to be taken to eliminate health problems hinges upon a careful evaluation of weight and eating habits. To this effect, the ADA’s website provides a weight chart separated into three categories: healthy, moderate, and severe. The chart analyzes the direct relationship between height and weight. For instance: if “someone” stands a stately 5 foot 10 inches, in order to be considered healthy, “someone” must weigh 175 pounds or under (in this case, “someone” is moderate). While this chart is merely a suggestion dependent upon several other contingencies (body shape, et al), it is also a useful tool in discerning whether healthy action must be taken.
National Nutrition Month additionally promotes the importance of certain vitamins and nutrients; vitamin E is chief among these. With recent studies elucidating the healthful effects of vitamin E with regards to fighting diseases and the aging-process, the ADA thoroughly recommends a diet rich in vitamin E—almonds, seeds, wheat grains, and spinach (as well as other dark, leafy vegetables) are excellent sources. Vitamin E, in addition, boosts the immune system, fends off cataracts, protects skin and hair, and demonstrates beneficial properties against heart disease and Alzheimer’s.
To reduce blood pressure, the ADA suggests 2 to 3 daily servings of low-fat dairy products, 8 to 10 daily servings of fruits and vegetables, and a high intake of foods abounding with magnesium, calcium, and potassium. Orange juice and whole wheat breads are strongly recommended, while the ADA’s dieticians proscribe sweets high in fat and hydrogenated oils.
Fitness is also a strong component of National Nutrition Month. Twenty minutes of strenuous exercise several times a week goes a long way to scraping off unwanted weight, as well as promoting general fitness. While often neglected, exercise is an indispensable facet of healthy living; one that requires more than just attention—it requires motion.
Although only lasting a month, the lessons canvassed and learned from National Nutrition Month, hopefully, repose in the minds of American’s for much longer than that. Healthy diet and adequate exercise not only help us live longer, fuller lives, but also give people a sense of self-esteem and confidence.
ByJean-Pierre Lacrampe