Nutrition Month (R) 2024

The theme for National Nutrition Month, a registered trademark by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, is Beyond the Table. This theme helps us make more informed choices while meal planning, shopping, and exercising. Many good decisions happen before we get to the table.

Certainly! "Beyond the Table" is a great theme that encourages a holistic approach to health, extending beyond just the act of eating. Here are some tips to help you make more informed choices in meal planning, shopping, and exercising:

Meal Planning

  1. Go for Balance and Variety

    • Aim for a balanced and varied diet that includes a diverse range of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. This ensures you get a wide array of nutrients.

  2. Practice Mindful Eating

    • Practice mindful eating by paying attention to hunger and fullness cues. Avoid distractions during meals, and savor the flavors and textures of your food.

  3. Prep Ahead

    • Plan and prepare meals in advance to avoid the temptation of unhealthy, convenient options. Having nutritious options readily available makes it easier to stick to your health goals.

  4. Use Smart Cooking Techniques

    • Choose healthier cooking methods like grilling, baking, steaming, or sautéing instead of frying. This helps retain the nutritional value of your foods.

Shopping

  1. Shop the Perimeter

    • Focus on the perimeter of the grocery store where fresh produce, lean proteins, and dairy are typically located. This helps you avoid the more processed, less nutritious center aisles.

  2. Read Labels

    • Take the time to read and understand food labels. Look for products with minimal additives, lower sugar content, and limited saturated and trans fats.

  3. Stick to a List

    • Plan your grocery shopping in advance and create a list. This helps you stay focused, avoid impulse purchases, and make healthier choices.

  4. Buy in Bulk

    • Purchase staple items in bulk, such as whole grains, legumes, and nuts. Buying in bulk can be cost-effective and reduces packaging waste.

Exercising

  1. Practice Diverse Physical Activities

    • Include a variety of exercises in your routine to engage different muscle groups and prevent boredom. Mix cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and flexibility exercises.

  2. Set Realistic Goals

    • Set achievable and realistic fitness goals. This could be a certain number of steps per day, a specific amount of time for workouts, or a target for strength or endurance.

  3. Incorporate Physical Activity into Daily Life

    • Find opportunities to move throughout the day, such as taking the stairs, walking during breaks, or doing quick home workouts. It all adds up!

  4. Stay Hydrated

    • Hydration is crucial for overall health and exercise performance. Drink water before, during, and after your workouts.

General Lifestyle

  1. Get Adequate Sleep

    • Ensure you get enough quality sleep. Lack of sleep can affect your food choices, energy levels, and overall well-being.

  2. Manage Your Stress

    • Incorporate stress-reducing activities such as meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises. Chronic stress can impact both your eating habits and physical health.

  3. Cultivate Social Connections

    • Cultivate positive social connections. Sharing meals or exercising with friends or family can provide motivation and support.

  4. Make Regular Check-ins

    • Regularly assess your progress and make adjustments as needed. Celebrate achievements, no matter how small, and be willing to adapt your plan based on your evolving needs and goals.

By embracing the "Beyond the Table" theme, you're acknowledging that health is a holistic concept that involves various lifestyle factors. Making informed choices in meal planning, shopping, and exercising contributes to an overall healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

Judy Doherty, MPS, PCII

Judy’s passion for cooking began with helping her grandmother make raisin oatmeal for breakfast. From there, she earned her first food service job at 15, was accepted to the world-famous Culinary Institute of America at 18 (where she graduated second in her class), and went on to the Fachschule Richemont in Switzerland, where she focused on pastry arts and baking. After a decade in food service for Hyatt Hotels, Judy launched Food and Health Communications to focus on flavor and health. She graduated with Summa Cum Laude distinction from Johnson and Wales University with a BS in Culinary Arts, holds a master’s degree in Food Business from the Culinary Institute of America, two art certificates from UC Berkeley Extension, and runs a food photography & motion studio where her love is creating fun recipes and content.

Judy received The Culinary Institute of America’s Pro Chef II certification, the American Culinary Federation Bronze Medal, Gold Medal, and ACF Chef of the Year. Her enthusiasm for eating nutritiously and deliciously leads her to constantly innovate and use the latest nutritional science and Dietary Guidelines to guide her creativity, from putting new twists on fajitas to adapting Italian brownies to include ingredients like toasted nuts and cooked honey. Judy’s publishing company, Food and Health Communications, is dedicated to her vision that everyone can make food that tastes as good as it is for you.

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