March 1 began National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education and information campaign celebrated annually in March and sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The theme for this year is Get Your Plate in Shape, which highlights the five components of the new healthy eating icon, MyPlate.

• Make half of your plate fruits and vegetables: Consuming fruits and vegetables can help in the prevention of chronic diseases. The key to benefiting from all of the nutrients available in fruits and vegetables is to eat a variety of them. Think dark-green, red and orange vegetables; or red, green or purple fruits. Add fresh, dried, frozen or canned fruits to meals and snacks.
• Make at least half your grains whole: Read the ingredient listing on foods to make sure you are choosing 100 percent whole-grain breads, cereals, crackers and pasta. Switch from white to brown rice to incorporate more whole grains in your life. Continue Reading »