10 Challenges for National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, a nation-wide campaign created by the American Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics focused on developing healthy eating habits. It’s the perfect time to make a few positive changes for your health. Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered with 10 challenges below.

10 Challenges for National Nutrition Month:

  1. Try a new healthy recipe. Most of us spend hours pinning recipes that sound delicious, but when it comes down to it we never actually make half of them. Take time this month to go through your Pinterest boards or any cook book and pick out a new recipe and give it a whirl! Try to find a recipe with at least one ingredient you don’t use on a regular basis as an extra challenge.
  2. Make something from scratch that you usually buy prepared/pre-packaged. Whether it’s a sauce or a snack (such as granola bars), experiment and see how your version tastes when compared to the already prepared rendition. For example, I made this enchilada sauce from scratch and I will never go back to buying canned sauce! It’s so easy and much more flavorful. Starting from scratch also allows you to have complete control over what goes in your food.
  3. Order an entrée out of your comfort zone at a restaurant. It’s human nature to get into a rut and order the same things over and over again. Unfortunately we don’t expand our horizons this way and may be missing out on some amazing nutritious dishes. The next time you’re at a restaurant, pick a menu item that you wouldn’t normally choose. You never know; you may discover your new favorite meal!
  4. Get your kids involved in the kitchen. Have your children help with food preparation whenever possible. Whether it’s rinsing vegetables or stirring sauces, they will be more inclined to eat what they’ve helped prepare. Plus it’s a perfect teaching opportunity for challenge #5.
  5. Teach your children about how food nourishes their bodies and how to make healthy choices. If your kids develop healthy eating habits when they are young, they will be much more likely to maintain healthy lifestyles as adults. Invest in their health by teaching them the importance of healthy eating habits.
  6. Complete a Food Diary for at least 1 day, preferably longer. The simple act of keeping a food diary can encourage you to make healthier choices and eat fewer calories – and thus lose weight. Keeping a food diary increases awareness of what, how much, and why you are eating which cuts down on mindless snacking. Make sure you log everything you eat, including those handfuls of goldfish and teddy grahams you stole from your toddler. I’m not the only one…right?
  7. Cut out (or at least cut back on) sugary drinks. Soda, sweet tea, sugary juices, and flavored coffee drinks are often extremely high in sugar and empty calories. Save your calories for whole foods rather than liquids. Instead drink your tea unsweetened, add a splash of milk to coffee, or infuse citrus fruits in water to add flavor without extra sugar.
  8. Swap out your large dinner plates for smaller salad plates. Avoid overeating by keeping portion sizes in check – sometimes it helps to eat from a smaller plate.
  9. Think in advance and make a meal plan for the upcoming week. That way you won’t have to make any last-minute emergency fast food runs for dinner.
  10. Stock your pantry with essential items including herbs and spices. Keeping a well-stocked pantry is the best way to ensure you have what you need to cook delicious healthy meals for your family. Check out the Food Network Kitchen’s Pantry Essentials Checklist if you need some inspiration.
Melanie Senn
Melanie grew up in Salina, KS and currently lives on the east side of Wichita with her husband of 5 years and their 1 year old son. They also have an energetic Pomeranian who is still adjusting to not being an only child. Melanie works full time as a Physician Assistant, but her background is in nutrition and she is also a Registered Dietitian. Even though she has degrees from KU, K-State, and Wichita State, she bleeds purple and cheers loudest for the K-State Wildcats. When she isn't working, she is usually making a huge mess in the kitchen trying new recipes or snuggled up on the couch with her boys.