Beyond National Nutrition Month Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU

Beyond National Nutrition Month

Throughout the month of March we celebrated National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a nutrition education and information campaign created annually by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (Academy). The campaign focused  attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

The March 2012 theme for National Nutrition Month® has been "Get Your Plate in Shape."  The Student Dietetic Association (SDA) at Florida International University (FIU) helped prepare this video to review the dietary guidelines in planning healthy meals. 

Get Your Plate in Shape with the Student Dietetic Association at FIU. 
A look at the dietary guidelines as a tool for meal planning.

National Nutrition Month Messages from the FIU SDA
Feel free to print and attach to your refrigerator.

Celebrating Green Foods National Nutrition Month

Celebrating Green Foods

Food Sources

Alfalfa, Artichokes, Arugula, Asparagus, Avocado, Bok Choy, Broccoli, Broccoli rabe, Brussels Sprouts, Celery, Chives, Collard Greens, Cucumbers, Dandelion Greens, Edamame, Endive, Fennel, Green apples, Green Beans, Green cabbage, Green Grapes, Green Olives, Green Onion, Green Pears, Green Peas, Green Pepper, Green Tomatoes, Honeydew, Kale, Kiwi, Leeks, Lettuce, Limes, Mint, Okra, Oregano, Parsley, Pistachios, Snow Peas, Spinach, Sugar snap peas, Swiss Chard, Tarragon, Tomatillo, Wasabi, Watercress, Zucchini.

Do you know other foods that are Green?

Ways to increase Green Food Intake:
•Add spinach or broccoli when cooking pasta, rice or soup.
•Freeze green grapes for a sweet snack.
•Add thin slices of green apples or zucchini on a sandwich.

About Green Fruits and Vegetables.
Green in plants signifies the presence of the plant pigment chlorophyll. The nutrients found in these fruits and vegetables may reduce cancer risks, lower blood pressure, and LDL cholesterol levels, improve vision, enhance the immune system, and fight harmful free radicals.

Green fruits and vegetables are rich in many vitamins and minerals, such as calcium, folate, vitamin C, and beta-carotene (vitamin A). They contain phytochemicals such as luteins and indoles, which may reduce the risk of heart disease. They are high in fiber and support a healthy digestive system.

Definitions:
Phytonutrients (or phytochemicals) are found in plants. They are part of what gives fruits and vegetables their colors. Phytonutrients help protect plants from diseases found in the environment and protect us in a similar way. Studies have linked an increase of fruit and vegetable intake with lowering the risk of specific cancers and heart disease. The following list describes how phytonutrients may also help protect human health.
1. Act as an antioxidant.
2. Improves immune response.
3. Improves cell-to-cell communication.
4. Destroys cancer cells.
5. Repairs DNA damage caused by toxins in the environment.

Antioxidants. As the body uses oxygen, there are by-products (known as “free radicals”) that can cause damage to cells. Antioxidants can prevent or slow down the damage caused by these free radicals and decrease the risk of many chronic diseases, such as heart disease and cancer. Antioxidants may also improve the immune defense and lower the risk of infection. Some examples of antioxidants include vitamin A (beta-carotene), vitamin C, vitamin E, lutein, lycopene and flavonoids.

Kermit Sings Being Green

March 11, 2012. Daylight Savings Time and Check Your Batteries Day

Daylight Saving Time (DST) 
begins and we turn our clocks ahead one hour.

“Check Your Batteries Day” A reminder to test and
replace batteries on all life saving devices, including
smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

Nutrition Thoughts

As a dietitian, the word “Batteries” reminds me of the “Energy”
we need to fuel our bodies. Start each day with healthy choices
and your batteries will last longer. 

- Sandra Frank, Ed.D., RD, LDN, 

Dietitians-Online.com

National Nutrition Month   #NNM

March 8, Ag Day meets What's On MyPlate Day

Do you know where the food on your plate comes from?

USDA Webinar: Know Your Farmer
Know Your Food Compass

March 7, National Cereal Day