March is National Nutrition Month

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month?  This year’s theme is "Nutrition from the Ground Up" which focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits from the beginning.  Children learn their habits, attitudes and beliefs from their parents and other caregivers, and that includes their willingness to try new and healthy foods. For National Nutrition Month, the American Dietetic Association encourages adults to be good role models and teach your children how to appreciate nutrition and enjoy healthful eating.

One of the most important things you can do is offer your children as many new foods as possible, as early in life as possible.  Involve your children in grocery shopping, meal preparation, and meal planning as much as possible. Children are more likely to try new foods, especially fruits, vegetables, whole grains and low fat dairy products if they are involved in choosing and preparing them. Most importantly, practice what you preach.  A survey by the American Dietetic Association Foundation showed that parents have the most influence on their children's behavior, including their eating habits.

>>Find out more by visiting www.eatright.org