March is National Nutrition Month®: Beyond the Table
National Nutrition Month® was established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The 2024 theme “Beyond the Table” focuses on the importance of access to nutritious meals, establishing healthy food choices, and daily physical activity habits (eatright.org, 2024). Beyond the Table, addresses the farm-to-fork aspect of nutrition, from food production and distribution to navigating grocery stores and farmers markets. The theme describes the variety of ways people eat and sustainability, additional information is located on www.eatright.org (eatright.org, 2024).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), healthy meals can help prevent malnutrition and non-communicable diseases. Unfortunately, the increased consumption and production of processed foods and urbanization have resulted in many populations eating more foods high in unhealthy fats, sugar, salt, and less foods containing fiber such as whole grains, vegetables, and fruit (https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/healthy-diet, 2024). The fact is globally all populations benefit from an increased consumption of meals that are freshly prepared and follow a “farm-to-fork” approach to help fight and prevent disease.
During March read all food labels; select and prepare meals without added salt, sugar, and animal fat for flavoring; look for all-natural ingredients and avoid foods with artificial ingredients, colors, and additives. Healthy food and fitness habits include: purchasing food from local farmer markets; purchasing food from the produce section of grocery stores and less pre-packaged processed food; offering healthy food choices at all faith-based events; starting a church, community, or home garden; preparing smaller portions of meat or fish and try meatless Monday; increase daily fiber with vegetables, fruit, and whole grains; skip the milkshake and make a healthy smoothie with fresh berries and green leafy vegetables; and every day intentionally participate in activities that promote fitness (i.e., walking, bowling, swimming, dancing, jumping, stretching, Pilates).Visit www.AMEChealth.org for information regarding AME Farms/Gardens and Culinary RX – AME.
Bishop Francine Brookins, Commission Chair
Rev. Dr. Natalie Mitchem, Executive Director
Rev. Dr. Miriam Burnett, Medical Director
