National Baked Scallops Day - Nutrition Profile

References
EatWell, Healthy Scallop Recipes

National Johnny Appleseed Day

John Chapman (September 26, 1774 – March 18, 1845), called Johnny Appleseed, was an American pioneer nurseryman who introduced apple trees to large parts of Pennsylvania, Ontario, Ohio, Indiana, and Illinois, as well as the northern counties of present-day West Virginia. He became an American legend while still alive, due to his kind, generous ways, his leadership in conservation, and the symbolic importance he attributed to apples.

The Story of Johnny Appleseed

Johnny Appleseed, Wikipedia 

National Oatmeal-Nut Waffle Day

Ingredients
Waffles
1 cup whole-wheat flour
½ cup quick-cooking oats
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon sugar
¼ cup unsalted pecans, chopped
2 large eggs, separated
1½ cup fat-free (skim) milk
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Fruit Topping
2 cups fresh strawberries, halved
1 cup fresh blackberries
1 cup fresh blueberries
1 teaspoon powdered sugar

All berries may be substituted with frozen, thawed

Directions

1. Preheat waffle iron.
2. Combine flour, oats, baking powder, sugar, and pecans in a large bowl.
3. Combine egg yolks, milk, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl, and mix well.
4. Add liquid mixture to the dry ingredients, and stir together. Do not overmix; the mixture should be a bit lumpy.
5. Whip egg whites to medium peaks. Gently fold egg whites into batter.
6. Pour batter into preheated waffle iron, and cook until the waffle iron light signals it’s done or steam stops coming out of the iron. A waffle is perfect when it is crisp and well-browned on the outside with a moist, light, airy and fluffy inside. (Or make pancakes.)
7. Add fresh fruit and a light dusting of powdered sugar to each waffle, and serve.

Tip: For pancakes, do not separate eggs. Mix whole eggs with milk and oil, and eliminate steps 4 and 5.

Yield: 4 servings
Serving Size:
3 small (2-inch) or 1 large (6-inch) waffle (depending on waffle iron size)
Calories 340
Total Fat 11 g
Saturated Fat 2 g
Cholesterol 107 mg
Sodium 331 mg
Total Fiber 9 g
Protein 14 g
Carbohydrates 50 g
Potassium 369 mg

Celebrate Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Dietetic Techician, Registered

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day and Dietetic Technician Registered Day were created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to increase the awareness of registered dietitian nutritionists as indispensable food and nutrition services providers. 

Acknowledge the Contributions and Celebrate the Dedication of the RDN & NDTR, who help people and communities achieve a healthy lifestyle through food and nutrition. 

Congratulations, RDNs! 

What I do as a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist… I design recipes and menus with nutritional analysis for newspapers, magazines, and cookbook publishers. For over 40 years, I’ve loved being a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist.

History

Embrace the Unusual: The Hidden Gem of Ugly Produce

 Don’t Judge Produce by Its Cover: Nutritious, Delicious, and Beautifully Unique

When you think of fresh produce, you likely picture pristine, uniform fruits and vegetables displayed neatly at the grocery store. But have you ever considered the fate of those that don’t meet these strict aesthetic standards? Enter ugly produce—a term that challenges our perception of beauty in food while addressing a major issue: food waste.

What is Ugly Produce?

Definition:
Ugly produce refers to fruits and vegetables deemed cosmetically imperfect due to irregular shapes, discoloration, blemishes, or scarring. While they may not look perfect, they are just as nutritious and delicious as their traditionally “ideal” counterparts.

Reasons for "Ugliness":

• Shape: Misshapen, asymmetrical, or odd-looking produce.

• Scarring: Natural surface blemishes or growth marks.

• Discoloration: Unusual or uneven color variations.

Some common examples of ugly produce include:
🍅 Lumpy tomatoes
🍑 Misshapen peaches
🥕 Twisted carrots
🍠 Triple sweet potatoes
🍓 Oddly shaped strawberries

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The Hidden Nutritional Value

Looks can be deceiving! Ugly produce is just as nutrient-rich as “perfect” produce, containing the same vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Their appearance does not impact their taste or health benefits in any way. In fact, some argue that these less uniform fruits and vegetables may even be tastier due to their natural growth patterns.

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The Ugly Truth About Food Waste

Did you know that up to 20% of fruits and vegetables are discarded because they don’t meet cosmetic standards? This leads to millions of pounds of edible food being wasted each year. Food waste is a significant environmental issue, contributing to excessive land, water, and energy use, as well as increased greenhouse gas emissions.

By embracing ugly produce, we can:

• Reduce food waste and lessen its environmental impact.

• Support farmers by giving them a market for all their crops.

• Make fresh produce more affordable by purchasing discounted imperfect fruits and vegetables.

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The Ugly Produce Movement

The ugly produce movement aims to rescue and redistribute fruits and vegetables that would otherwise be discarded. Many companies and initiatives have emerged to make these products accessible to consumers while promoting sustainable practices.

Companies Leading the Way:

• Imperfect Foods

• Misfits Market

• Hungry Harvest

These companies specialize in sourcing imperfect produce directly from farms and delivering it to consumers, often through subscription boxes. By purchasing from them, consumers help reduce waste while enjoying fresh and affordable fruits and vegetables.

Benefits of the Ugly Produce Movement:

✔️ Reduced Food Waste: Less discarded produce means a smaller carbon footprint.
✔️ Sustainable Practices: Many ugly produce suppliers work directly with farmers and use minimal packaging.
✔️ Affordable Produce: Ugly produce is often sold at lower prices, making fresh fruits and vegetables more accessible.

Criticisms and Considerations:

While the movement has many benefits, some critics argue that not all ugly produce should be redirected to consumers. Some may be better suited for animal feed, composting, or processing into other food products like sauces or juices. A holistic approach to food waste would incorporate all these solutions.

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Embrace the Beauty of Imperfection

Next time you shop for produce, consider giving ugly fruits and vegetables a chance. Whether it’s a knobby carrot, a curvy eggplant, or a perfectly imperfect peach, each one is a testament to nature’s diversity. By supporting the ugly produce movement, you’re making a sustainable choice and discovering some of the most delicious, unique, and affordable foods available.

Let’s redefine beauty in food—one oddly shaped vegetable at a time! 

Meatballs Around the World: A Global Comfort Food

Meatballs are a beloved dish found in cultures worldwide, each with its own unique twist. Whether served with pasta, rice, or sauce, these flavorful bites bring comfort and tradition to the table. From Italy to Sweden, Asia to the Middle East, let’s explore the delicious variety of meatballs enjoyed across the globe.

 

Meatball Nutrition

A Classic Dish with Endless Variations

At their core, meatballs are made by mixing ground meat, breadcrumbs, minced onion, eggs, butter, and seasonings, shaping them into balls, and cooking them by frying, baking, steaming, or braising. While many meatballs are made with beef, pork, chicken, fish, or even game meats, plant-based options using lentils, mushrooms, or chickpeas are also popular for a vegetarian twist.

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Meatballs from Around the World

Italian Meatballs (Polpette) – These rich, herby meatballs are often served in a hearty tomato sauce with pasta or crusty bread. Unlike American-style meatballs, Italian polpette are sometimes eaten as a standalone dish rather than over spaghetti.

Swedish Meatballs – Made with a blend of pork and beef, these tender meatballs are served in a creamy, savory gravy with lingonberry jam and mashed potatoes. They’re a staple of Nordic cuisine and are famously found in IKEA cafés worldwide!

Turkish Köfte – These spiced, grilled, or pan-fried meatballs are a street food favorite in Turkey. They're often made with lamb or beef and served with rice, pita, or yogurt sauce.

Lion’s Head Meatballs – A Chinese delicacy, these oversized, tender pork meatballs are slow-cooked in a flavorful broth and served with steamed bok choy.

Indian Malai Kofta – Unlike traditional meat-based meatballs, malai kofta is a vegetarian delight made with paneer (Indian cheese) and potatoes and served in a rich, spiced tomato-cream sauce.

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Serving Meatballs in Different Ways

Meatballs can be served in countless ways:
🍝 Over pasta with a rich tomato or creamy sauce.
🍛 With rice or flatbread, accompanied by flavorful spices.
🥣 In soups or broths, adding depth and texture.
🥪 In a sandwich or sub, packed with melted cheese.

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A Dish That Stands the Test of Time

With a history that spans centuries, meatballs remain a staple in kitchens worldwide. Whether you're enjoying a plate of Italian polpette, Swedish köttbullar, or Turkish köfte, meatballs showcase the beauty of cultural diversity and how food connects us all.

Next time you’re in the kitchen, why not try making your own version of meatballs inspired by flavors from around the world? 

Recipes
Healthy Meatball recipes, EatingWell

International Women's Day

"Each year, International Women's Day (IWD) is celebrated on March 8. Thousands of events occur not just on this day but throughout March to mark women's economic, political, and social achievements. Organizations, governments, charities, educational institutions, women's groups, corporations, and the media celebrate the day. Many groups worldwide choose different themes each year that are relevant to global and local gender issues.

2026 Theme:  “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, calls for action to dismantle all barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls."

Imagine a gender-equal world.
A world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.
A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.
A world where difference is valued and celebrated.
Together, we can forge women's equality.
Collectively, we can all #BreakTheBias.
Celebrate women's achievements. Raise awareness against bias. 

International Women’s Day

Every Spoonful Tells a Story: Dive into the World of Cereal

Every Spoonful Tells a Story

Looking for ways to sweeten your cereal?

Try nature's sweetness - Fruit

.

  

National Frozen Food Day

Plan Meals in Advance

Freezing is an effective form of food preservation because pathogens causing food spoilage are killed or do not grow rapidly at reduced temperatures. However, freezing may only deactivate pathogens. Once the food starts to thaw, pathogens can become active and cause food poisoning. It is important to follow proper procedures for thawing and cooking frozen foods. USDA provides detailed instructions on how to thaw and cook foods properly.

Foods may be preserved for several months by freezing. Long-term frozen storage requires a constant temperature of -18 °C (0 °F) or less to maintain safety and quality. 

Grocery Store Tour - 
Fresh, Frozen or Canned
Tour Guide: Mary Wilson, RD 

Resources

1. Fruits and Veggies, More Matters. Fresh, Frozen, Canned, Dried, and 100% Juice
2. Food & Nutrition Magazine | Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, 5 Reasons You Should Be Eating Frozen Foods

Time Magazine First Published on March 3, 1923 A look at Food and Nutrition through the Pages of Time

TIME was first published on March 3, 1923, as a news magazine that summarized and organized the news. Here are some articles and cover stories from Time Magazine focusing on Food and Nutrition. 

Monday, Oct. 08, 1923, Medicine: Vitamin X.  Discovered by Dr. Herbert M. Evans and Dr. Katharine S. Bishop, of the University of California.* They call it "; Vitamin X." "Vitamins," now so popular, were unknown ten years ago. They cannot be seen or weighed. They came to light only when it was found diets are not providing proper nourishment, and in some cases, deficiencies would occur, such as scurvy, beriberi, and pellagra.

Monday, Mar. 31, 1924, Medicine: Vitamin D.  Dr. Walter H. Eddy, Professor of Physiological Chemistry in Teachers' College, Columbia University showed a group of his colleagues four test tubes containing 70 milligrams of a crystalline substance, Vitamine D. Their work may lay a basis for future synthetic foods to form a scientific diet, though the authentic vitamin scientists have nothing but condemnation for the various commercial tablets, cakes, etc., now on the market. The best diet can still be secured from natural foods.

Monday, Jun. 09, 1941, Medicine: The Nation's Food.  Nine hundred doctors, dietitians, chemists, and industrialists met in Washington last week to tackle an immense problem: the U.S. diet. As a whole, the U.S. today is better fed than any other nation, but at least 45,000,000 people in the U.S. are undernourished. Another 50,000,000 people drag along on four cylinders but cut a good five years off their work life by not eating the right foods. Of the 35,000,000 remainings, quite a few suffer from overeating.

Monday, Aug. 06, 1956, Medicine: Crazy About Reducing
U.S. experts on diets and reducing are in a tizzy. For years they had been preaching the gospel that the only way to reduce is to cut down the amount of fuel (expressed as the number of calories) stoked into the body.



Friday, Nov. 25, 1966, Food: Everyone's in the Kitchen.
Julia Child, 54, is the 6-ft.-2-in.-tall star of the Emmy-winning half-hour program, The French Chef. Her viewers on 104 educational TV stations across the U.S. watch her every move, forgive her every gaffe, and, in a word, adore her.

Dec 18, 1972, The Perils of Eating, American Style

Whether they are simply trying to get thin, or whether they are pursuing health or even salvation through diet, Americans are perhaps more preoccupied than any other nation with what to eat, what not to eat, how to eat, and even when.

Monday, Sep. 17, 1973, FOOD: The Burger That Conquered the Country

The destiny of nations depends on the manner in which they nourish themselves. - The Physiology of Taste, Jean Brillat-Savarin (1826).  If so, America's destiny manifestly depends to no small degree on the hamburgers, French fries, and milkshakes served beneath the golden arches of McDonald's. Last year the chain of drive-ins and restaurants rang up sales of $1.03 billion, passing the U.S. Army (1972 food volume: $909 million) as the nation's biggest dispenser of meals.

Monday, Nov. 02, 1981, Diet and Exercise Dangers.  Regular exercise is good for heart rate, blood pressure, respiration, and metabolism. Says Jim Barnard, research cardiologist at U.C.L.A.: "It's similar to tuning up your car's engine to make the car run more efficiently." The vigorous physical effort helps release tension too. But it can also do a lot of damage, especially if the athlete is a neophyte or weekend warrior, both of whom tend to try to do too much too soon.

Dieting poses a whole set of different hazards, especially the quickie weight-losing schemes that separate U.S. dieters from a few pounds each year. Among the current In diets are the Pritikin, the Atkins, and the Beverly Hills Diet. Nutrition experts insist that many fad diets are not really diets at all but bizarre and temporary ways of depriving the subject of adequate nutrition.

Mar 15, 1982, Salt: A New Villain?   KILLER SALT screams the book cover from a huge display of volumes with titles like Shake the Salt Habit!, Cooking Without a Grain of Salt and Halt! No Salt. These days they are selling in the hundreds of thousands.

Mar 26, 1984, Hold the Eggs and Butter.  Cholesterol is proved deadly, and our diet may never be the same This year began with the announcement by the Federal Government of the results of the broadest and most expensive research project in medical history. Its subject was cholesterol.

Dec 24, 1990, Health: Red Alert on Red Meat. The link between high-fat diets and colon cancer gets stronger.

Jul 15, 1991, The Fight over Food Labels. By launching a holy war against misleading claims, the government could clear up some of the confusion on supermarket shelves and help Americans become healthier consumers.

Apr 06, 1992, The New Scoop On Vitamins.  They may be much more important than doctors thought in warding off cancer, heart disease, and the ravages of aging, and, no, you may not be getting enough of these crucial nutrients in your diet.

Jan 08, 1996, HEALTH: ARE WE READY FOR FAT-FREE FAT?

The FDA is about to decide whether you can eat these chips. They are fried in a fake oil that can't make you fat. Dip, Anyone?

Nov 01, 1999, The Low-Carb Diet Craze. Fad diets come and go, but this one is exploding. Can you really lose weight by feasting on beef, eggs, and bacon? And should you?

Jan 21, 2002, 10 Foods That Pack A Wallop. Eat, drink, and be healthy! Scientists are rapidly identifying the natural chemicals that give a preventive punch to a rainbow of ordinary edibles.

Jul 15, 2002, Should We All Be Vegetarians? Would we be healthier? Would the planet? The risks and benefits of a meat-free life.

Jul 07, 2003, Cracking The Fat Riddle. Should you count calories or carbs? Is dietary fat your biggest enemy? The latest research may surprise you.

Oct 20, 2003, Health: How to Eat Smarter. In a world that is raining food, making healthy choices about what and how to eat is difficult. Here are some rules to live by.

Jun 07, 2004, America's Obesity Crisis: Activists: The Obesity Warriors  What will it take to end this epidemic? These experts are very glad you asked.

Jun 11, 2007, The Science of Appetite

Jul 18, 2011, The Future of Fish

Sep 12, 2011, What to eat now.

Dec 3, 2012, What to eat now. The anti-food-snob diet by Dr. Mehmet Oz.

Nov 11, 2013, Want to Stay Healthy? Don’t Rely on Vitamins

Nov 20, 2013, Eat Nuts, Live Longer

Nov 22, 2013, Dieters Subsist on Cotton Balls in Horrible New Weight-Loss Trend

Dec 05, 2013, Eating Healthy Is Cheaper Than You Think

Dec 10, 2013, Sugar Crush: Why Diet Soda Sales Have Crashed

Dec 16, 2013, The Triple Whopper Environmental Impact of Global Meat Production

Jan 06, 2014, How the Mediterranean Diet Alone Can Fight Diabetes

Jan 07, 2014, Feds Crack Down On Deceiving Weight Loss Products

Jan 08, 2014, Is Olive Garden Healthier Than McDonald’s? Maybe Not

Jan 09, 2014, These 4 Shady Weight Loss Companies Were Forced to Issue Huge Refunds

Jan 16, 2014, Good News! We’re Eating Healthier (at Least at Home)

Jan 20, 2014 Chocolate, Tea, and Berries: How to Fight Diabetes With Food

Jan 24, 2014, FDA Revising Food Nutrition Labels

Jan 28, 2014, New Worry for College Students: Food Insecurity

Feb 06, 2014, What Happens When Your Body Loses Half Its Weight?

Feb 10, 2014, The FDA's Label Lift

Feb 20, 2014, 4 Diet Secrets of the U.S. Olympics Women’s Hockey Team

Feb 24, 2014, The Pizza Stimulus

Feb 25, 2014, White House Sets New Limits on Junk Food Ads in Schools

Feb 26, 2014, The 10 Most Filling Foods for Weight Loss

Apr 15, 2015, Baby Food Recalled for Containing Glass

Apr 23, 2015, The Trouble With Foods Kids See Advertised on TV

Oct 14, 2015, You Asked: Should I Count Calories?

Jan 04, 2016, Healthier School Lunch Rules Are Working, Study Finds

Jan 07, 2016, 92% of Restaurant Meals Have Too Many Calories: Study.

Jan 08, 2016 Experts Say Lobbying Skewed the U.S. Dietary Guidelines

Jan 26, 2016, Our Official Dietary Guidelines Are Useless

Feb 02, 2016, What Your Low-Fiber Diet Does to Your Health

Feb 03, 2016, 20 Everyday Habits That Sabotage Weight Loss Goals

Feb 12, 2016, This Is What Vegan Means

Feb 23, 2016, This Is Why Vegetarianism Didn’t Catch on Until Recently

June 29, 2016 Butter is Not Linked to Heart Disease, Death, and Diabetes. 

Mar 01, 2016, Cheaper Healthy Food Would Save Millions of Lives

Feb 28, 2017, 12 Healthy Eating Hacks Nutritionists Use Every Day

Jun 5, 2017, The Weight Loss Trap: Why Your Diet Isn’t Working

Nov 01, 2017, Happy World Vegan Day! Here Are 5 Health Benefits of Going Vegan

Nov 17, 2017, About 90% of Americans Don't Eat Enough Fruits and Vegetables.

Nov 22, 2017, 3 Reasons Why Coffee Is So Good for You

Feb 26, 2018, The Surprising Secrets to Living Longer — And Better

Mar 1, 2018, 5 Dietitians on the One Nutrition Tweak You Should Make

Mar 15, 2018, There’s No Such Thing as a Single 'Best' Diet 

Aug 16, 2018, Eating This Many Carbs Is Linked to a Longer Life 

Oct 3, 2018, Almost 40% of Americans Eat Fast Food on Any Given Day, Report Says 

Oct 18, 2018, These Are the Best High-Fiber Foods, According to Experts 

Dec 4, 2018, Here's One Simple Way You Can Start Eating Healthier 

Dec 5, 2018, Are Eggs Healthy? Here’s What Experts Say 

Dec 19, 2018, Diet and Exercise Might Reverse Aging in the Brain 

Jan 2, 2019, These Are the 5 Best Diets for 2019, According to Experts 

Feb 23, 2019, Why Food Could Be the Best Medicine of All 

Feb 26, 2019, Confused By Expiration Dates? You’re Not Alone. Here’s What They Really Mean

April 3, 2019 Diets Are Linked to 20% of Deaths Worldwide

April 8, 2019 Vitamins and Supplements Can't Replace a Balanced Diet, Study Says

May 15, 2019, Are Onions and Garlic Healthy? Here's What Experts Say

Sept 30, 2019, Should You Stop Eating Red Meat? 

Dec 16, 2019, Why Your 2020 New Year's Health or Fitness Resolution Might Be Proven Outdated by 2030

Jan 2, 2020,  Countless People Are Struggling With an Eating Disorder Doctors Can't Diagnose

Mar 18, 2020, How to Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy While COVID-19 Has You Stuck at Home

Apr 28, 2020, Our Diets Are Changing Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic. Is It for the Better?

Aug 26, 2020, How Growing Food Can Change Your Life, According to Gardener Ron Finley

Apr 28, 2022. Does Taking Vitamins and Supplements Make You Healthier? Vitamins, dietary supplements, and botanicals are increasingly popular, but scant evidence supports their use for most people.

Jun 16, 2022. The Truth About Fasting and Type 2 Diabetes - Most fad diets don't live up to the hype, let alone serious scientific scrutiny. But intermittent fasting is an exception.

Dec 28, 2022. What IBD Patients Want Their Doctors to Know. Doctors could help people with IBD by making it a point to better discuss issues like mental health and nutrition…

Jan 9, 2023. Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Bad for You. Growing research suggests that ultra-processed foods—the kind you find on grocery store shelves—may pose health risks. Here's what to avoid.

Jan 20, 2023. Time You Eat Doesn't Matter For Weight Loss, Study Finds. A new study finds that what time you eat meals doesn't matter for weight loss—what's important is the amount you eat.

February 28, 2023 Magnesium Supplements Are a Buzzy New Sleep and Anxiety Aid. Do They Work? Haley Weiss

  

National Nutrition Month through the Cat in the Hat

Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are Good for You

Oh, The Things You Can Do That Are Good for You: All About Staying Healthy (Cat in the Hat's Learning Library) 

March Produce: Fresh, Local and Lucky!

 

March Produce, Fruits and Veggies in peak season. @Healthyfamprj https://www.produceforkids.com/whats-in-season-for-march/

The Tooth Fairy's Mission Nutrition and Your Child's Dental Health

Healthy teeth are important to your child's overall health. From the time your child is born, there are things you can do to promote healthy teeth and prevent cavities. For babies, you should clean their teeth with a soft, clean cloth or a baby's toothbrush. Avoid putting the baby to bed with a bottle, and check the baby's teeth regularly for spots or stains.

For all children, you should
1. Start using a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when they are two years old. You might start sooner, if a dentist or doctor suggests it.
2. Provide healthy foods and limit sweet snacks and drinks
3. Schedule regular dental check-ups

Forming good habits at a young age can help your child have healthy teeth for life.

Resources
1. WebMD. Nutrition and Your Child's Teeth
2. Canadian Dental Association, Nutrition for Children
3. National Institute of Health, Child DentalHealth

National Nutrition Month 2026 "The Power of Nutrition"

The Power of Nutrition: How Food—and Eating Together— Nourishes Body and Community

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme, “The Power of Nutrition,” reminds us that food is more than fuel. Nutrition shapes our health, our energy, our growth, and even our relationships. What we eat matters—but how and with whom we eat matters too.

At its core, the power of nutrition lies in balance, variety, and connection.

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Why Nutrition Has Power

Nutrition supports every system in the body: immunity, growth, brain function, digestion, heart health, and aging. The true power of nutrition comes from balance and variety, not restriction or perfection. Each food group delivers specific nutrients that work best when eaten together.

The Power Within Each Food Group

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Fruits & Vegetables: Protection and Prevention

Key nutrients: Vitamin C, vitamin A (beta-carotene), potassium, folate, fiber, antioxidants

Fruits and vegetables provide essential vitamins and protective compounds that support immune health, digestion, heart health, vision, and disease prevention. Fiber supports gut health and fullness, while antioxidants help protect cells from damage.

Power tip: A colorful plate delivers a wider range of protective nutrients.

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Grains (Especially Whole Grains): Energy and Endurance

Key nutrients:
Carbohydrates, fiber, B vitamins, iron, magnesium

Grains are the body’s primary energy source. Whole grains help regulate blood sugar, support digestive health, and provide long-lasting fuel for the brain and muscles.

Power tip: Choose whole grains often for sustained energy and fullness.

Protein Foods: Strength and Repair

Key nutrients:
Protein, iron, zinc, vitamin B12, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids

Protein foods help build and repair muscles, bones, skin, and tissues. Including a variety of protein sources—such as beans, lentils, seafood, eggs, poultry, nuts, and seeds—supports heart health and nutrient diversity.

Power tip: Mixing plant and animal proteins strengthens nutrition and flexibility.

Dairy and Fortified Alternatives: Strong Bones and Muscles

Key nutrients:
Calcium, vitamin D, protein, potassium, and vitamin B12

These foods support bone density, muscle function, and nerve signaling. Adequate intake is essential during childhood, adolescence, menopause, and older adulthood.

Power tip: Strong bones support mobility and independence across the lifespan.

Fats and Oils: Heart Health

Key nutrients:
Healthy fats (monounsaturated and polyunsaturated), omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin E

Healthy fats help absorb fat-soluble vitamins, support brain function, reduce inflammation, and protect heart health.

Power tip: Healthy fats improve satisfaction and nutrient absorption at meals.

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The Power of Eating Together

Nutrition isn’t only about nutrients—it’s about connection. Shared meals encourage balanced eating, expose children to a variety of foods, and strengthen family and community bonds.

Research shows that eating together is linked to:

• Better diet quality

• Healthier eating habits in children

• Improved mental well-being

• Reduced stress and stronger social connections

Whether it’s a family dinner, lunch with friends, or an intergenerational meal, eating together enhances the power of nutrition.

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Putting the Power of Nutrition Into Practice

You don’t need to eat perfectly to eat powerfully.

• Include foods from multiple food groups at meals

• Add one more fruit or vegetable each day

• Choose whole grains more often

• Enjoy a variety of protein sources

• Make time for shared meals—simple counts

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The Bottom Line

The power of nutrition comes from nutrients working together, balanced meals, and shared experiences around food. This National Nutrition Month, celebrate food as fuel, food as culture, and food as connection—because nutrition is most powerful when it nourishes both body and community.

Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) Day is celebrated on the second Wednesday of March (March 11, 2026), and Nutrition and Dietetics Technician, Registered (NDTR) Day is the following Thursday (March 13, 2026). These annual events honor professionals who provide essential, evidence-based nutrition care and education.