This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month — “Fuel for the Future” — aims to promote a healthy vegetarian and/or plant-based diet.
While March is designated as National Nutrition Month, the West Central Florida County Health Departments, including Pasco and Hillsborough, are encouraging everyone to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits that can be followed throughout the year, according to a news release.
The National Library of Medicine indicates a high-sugar, high-fat, processed food diet has contributed significantly to obesity and chronic disease, the release said.
Americans consume fewer daily servings of fruits and vegetables and they consume a large quantity of red meat and poultry each year — creating a much higher daily intake of calories and protein than required in a healthy diet.
Making healthy eating habits doesn’t require a drastic lifestyle changes and a good eating pattern isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ endeavor.
Registered dietitians can offer advice on ways to fine-tune traditional recipes, provide alternatives to cooking methods and how to incorporate family favorite foods into everyday meals.
The local health department also can serve as a valuable resource on getting started on expanding your own food horizons.
To reach the Department of Health-Pasco, call 727-619-0300. For Hillsborough, call 813-307-8000.
For more about nutrition and National Nutrition Month, visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at EatRight.org.
Published March 08, 2023
