March Is National Nutrition Month

Eat Right, Bite By Bite

March Is National Nutrition Month. Choosing nutritious foods and getting enough physical activity can make a significant difference in your health. For National Nutrition Month®, March 2020, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics encourages people to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme, Eat Right, Bite by Bite, promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day, planning and creating healthful meals each week, and the value of consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist. Below is the National Nutrition Month quiz to test your nutrition knowledge.

Healthy Eating Habits: Fact or Fiction?

1. A healthy eating style includes a limited number of foods.

FICTION: A variety of nutritious foods from all of the food groups can make up a healthy eating style. Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov for more information.

2. Vegetable oils are an appropriate substitute for solid fats.

FACT: Solid fats have higher amounts of saturated fat and/or trans fats, which may increase the risk of heart disease. In comparison, oils provide more unsaturated fats, which are healthier.

3. Physical activity must be done for at least 10 minutes for it to be considered beneficial as a form of exercise.

FICTION: Although there are additional health benefits with increased physical activity, all activity counts so make a goal to move more throughout the day. For more information, check out the Move Your Way website at: https://health.gov/moveyourway/.

4. Portion sizes and serving sizes are the same things.

FICTION: A portion an amount you choose to eat or drink; whereas a serving size is used as a reference for what counts as a serving from one of the MyPlate food groups or the amount indicated on a Nutrition Facts label.

5. It is recommended that calories from added sugars be limited to less than 10% of calories per day.

FACT: Include healthier choices from the MyPlate food groups in place of foods and drinks with added sugars to better meet your nutrient needs.

6. At least half the grains are eaten daily should be whole grains.

FACT: Due to the health benefits associated with whole grains, it is recommended that at least half of the daily recommended servings be from whole grain sources. An example would be substituting brown rice in place of white rice.

7. One cup of calcium-fortified soymilk is considered one cup from the Dairy Group.

FACT: Calcium-fortified soymilk is an option in the Dairy Group for people who choose not to consume milk, such as vegans.

8. Meals that include seafood are recommended weekly.

FACT: Fish and seafood provide important nutrients including omega-3 fatty acids. Choose varieties that are lower in mercury, such as salmon and cod. “Advice about Eating Fish” is available for young children and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. For more information, visit https://www.fda.gov/food/consumers/advice-about-eating-fish

9. Most Americans get enough dietary fiber on a daily basis.

FICTION: It is estimated that most people in the U.S. only consume half of the recommended amount of dietary fiber daily. Good sources include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

10. Everyone needs the same number of calories, which is 2,000 calories per day.

FICTION: Although 2,000 calories per day can be found on the Nutrition Facts label and on menus, this is only used for general advice. Visit ChooseMyPlate.gov to create a MyPlate Plan, which includes food group targets based on your individual calorie needs or meet with a registered dietitian nutritionist for personalized nutrition guidance.

Eat Right, Bite by Bite promotes eating a variety of nutritious foods every day, planning and creating healthful meals each week and the value of consulting a registered dietitian nutritionist.

If you have any questions regarding your nutritional needs and diabetes health management, please contact our Certified Diabetes Educators for helpful diabetes health tips, recipes and nutritional advice. To locate an RDN in your area, visit www.eatright.org. To contact our CDE, visit our CDE page and fill out the contact form to discuss anything related to managing your diabetes.