Monday, February 28, 2022

National Nutrition Month 2022: Celebrate a World of Flavors

National Nutrition Month® is celebrated each year during March with the focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. 

The theme for National Nutrition Month® in 2022 is Celebrate a World of Flavor. Incorporating flavors from cultures around the world is a tasty way to nourish ourselves and appreciate our diversity. We also know that home-cooked/prepared meals are less expensive and more nutritious. 

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics looks forward to celebrating National Nutrition Month® with you! 




Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day is also celebrated during National Nutrition Month®, on the second Wednesday in March. This occasion increases awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as the indispensable providers of food and nutrition services while recognizing both RDNs and nutrition and dietetic technicians, registered for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives.







Saturday, February 5, 2022

Using Photographs to Communicate Nutrition

 There is truth in the saying, “a picture is worth a thousand words.” In fact, graphics communicate up to 60,000 times faster than text. An individual is more likely to read a story or blog when a photograph captures their attention.


My interest in graphic design and photography began when I discovered my son had difficulty reading. I wanted to find an alternative way of communicating with him. I noticed when we passed the golden arches, he knew it was McDonald's. When we went to the library, he was attracted to picture books. Using photography to teach nutrition started out as a hobby and turned into a passion.

Photography is one form of visual communication. It is found in children’s books, art galleries, publications, advertisements, communication boards, and most recently social media. Communicating nutrition using any of these venues opened up a world of possibilities and opportunities.

The popularity of photography has grown rapidly in the past few years due to the use of digital photography and social media. The free social media sites featuring photographs include Flickr, Instagram, Pinterest, Shutterfly, and Photobucket. Instagram reached over 100 million users. There are 300 million pictures uploaded to Facebook every day via Instagram (Instagram Statistics). The most followed Pinterest board is Delicious at 6.9 million followers with the slogan, “I love food and first of all we taste with our eyes.” Mitzi Dulan, a registered dietitian released the Pinterest Diet and has 3 million followers. Healthy Aperture is an online food gallery created by registered dietitians using recipe photographs to tempt readers.



When creating a photograph to communicate nutrition, the composition should be simple with recognizable images and convey a message to a specific audience. MyPlate, a visual design of healthy eating is a good example of using photography to communicate. These are some of the examples of how I use photography to communicate:




· 
  When teaching children about fruits and vegetables, it is easier to show half the plate with fruits and vegetables, rather than trying to explain it.

· The topic of whole grains might be lost without a photograph illustrating examples of whole grain foods.

· Protein sources may seem obvious to a health professional, but the consumer may benefit from a photograph displaying beans, nuts, tofu, meats, fish and poultry.

· Showing portion control is an eye-opener and a great example of using photography to communicate and educate.

· Comparing different foods with the same amount of calories is a popular composition.

· Creating a photographic grocery list by using MyPlate as a template allowed individuals with difficulty reading the ability to plan meals.

Using photographs to communicate nutrition is a fascinating area with tremendous opportunities. My ultimate goal is to create a photograph that stimulates the senses, and nourishes the body.

Tuesday, February 1, 2022

February Wellness News
Topics for Journalists, Writers,
Educators and Bloggers

Current News, Resources and Events in Nutrition, Food, Health, Environment, Safety, and Disability Rights. Encourages awareness and inspires ideas for Journalists, Educators, Consumers, and Health Professionals. Wellness News is updated daily. To view the entire Newsletter online click here.



February Highlights
American Heart Month


International Expect Success Month
Library Lovers Month
National Care About Your Indoor Air Month
National Children's Dental Health Month
National Parent Leadership Month
National Time Management Month
Plant the Seeds of Greatness Month
Responsible Pet Owner's Month
Youth Leadership Month

February Monthly Food Events

Bake for Family Fun Month
Canned Food Month
Chocolate Month
February is Fabulous Florida Strawberry
National Grapefruit Month
Great American Pies Month
National Cherry Month
National Hot Breakfast Month
National Potato Month
National Snack Food Month
National Wise Health Care Consumer
North Carolina Sweet Potato Month
Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket
National Pet Dental Health Month