March is National Nutrition Month, and the best way to eat for your own health and the health of the planet is by going plant-based.

Author: Jasmine Lowe

Vkind Communication Specialist

National Nutrition Month is observed every year in March. During the month, nutrition professionals share information about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Fuel for the Future.” The theme dives into eating with sustainability in mind so that we not only nourish ourselves but also protect the environment. The best way to eat for your own health and the health of the planet is by going plant-based.

The History of National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign that was created in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. National Nutrition Month actually started as a week before expanding into a month-long observance in 1980. The organization encourages the public each year to move their body, find inspiration in the kitchen, and meet with a dietitian.

The Best Nutrition For Your Health

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recommends that people try consuming more foods that come from plants, like fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and seeds. Think about consuming the rainbow when you plan your next meal. Opting for foods with more color is essential to getting all of the vitamins and nutrients needed to sustain your body. The organization also cautions people by recommending that they avoid foods and drinks with added sugars that can contribute to empty calories and little or no nutrition. Starting your day with a healthy breakfast, consuming water throughout the day, and being active are other ways to optimize your health, according to the academy. 

The Best Nutrition For The Planet

A plant-based diet was considered to be the best for the planet, according to a 2022 report by the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. The report shared that plant-based diets produce substantial environmental and health benefits. Another study also found that a vegan diet is the most eco-friendly diet because it is the best when it comes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions. This is followed by vegetarian, pescatarian, and flexitarian diets.

Switching to a truly plant-based diet with whole foods can cover all of your nutrition needs. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist can help you get there and create healthy habits that are sustainable and celebrate your unique needs. You can always find a registered dietician nutritionist near you by visiting Vkind’s website or downloading our app.

Resources

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitian nutritionists. 2022. https://www.eatright.org/  

Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics staff registered dietitian nutritionists. 2022. https://www.eatright.org/-/media/files/campaigns/eatright/nnm-2023/english/tip-sheets-english/nnm_2023_plant-based-eating-tip-sheet_english.pdf 

IPCC Sixth Assessment Report. Climate Change 2022: Mitigation of Climate Change. https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg3/ Scarborough, P., Appleby, P.N., Mizdrak, A. et al. Dietary greenhouse gas emissions of meat-eaters, fish-eaters, vegetarians and vegans in the UK. Climatic Change 125, 179–192 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-014-1169-1