The theme for National Nutrition Month this year is “Food Connects Us.” This annual campaign, sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, was created in 1973 to highlight the importance of making informed food choices as part of a healthful lifestyle.
“If you think about it, food is one of the most common ways that we connect to our cultures, friends, and families,” said IU Dining Registered Dietitian Erin Collicott. “Some of my best memories are tied to food.”
Erin’s mother baked a gluten-free cake for her 2024 wedding that was a huge hit with guests. Her Cranberry Jalapeno Dip at Thanksgiving has become a family favorite (and a new tradition). Erin said she and her husband regularly reconnect after their respective busy workdays by cooking dinner together in the evening. "All of these moments, centered around food, create lasting memories.”
Nutrition Month tips
The following tips are adapted from National Nutrition Month materials from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- Eat breakfast. Seriously. Not just coffee. Use your meal plan for breakfast at locations across campus from 7 a.m. to noon. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggests a breakfast that includes lean protein, whole grains, fruit, and vegetables.
- Make it 50/50. At each meal, half of your plate should be fruit and vegetables, and the other half contain grains and lean proteins, with low-fat milk or yogurt on the side. Aim for about 2 cups of fruit and 2.5 cups of veggies daily to increase intake, keeping in mind that daily serving recommendations vary for each person. Find personalized guidelines online: MyPlate.gov | MyPlate Plan Calculator
- Get to know food labels. Gather information and compare nutrition labels to make the best choice for your needs. Reading labels can help you to reduce added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium intake. Check NetNutrition and Nutrislice (type IU into the search bar) for on-campus nutrition information!
- Be a healthy snacker. Long day? Bring along snacks to stay fueled along the way—raw veggies and cottage cheese or hummus, nut butter and an apple, a cheese stick and applesauce—or make a pit stop at a campus retail location or C-store between classes. Pairing protein and whole foods can help to keep you full and satisfied.
- Drink more water. Stay hydrated! Drinking water helps regulate body temperature, aids in digestion, and transports nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. It also improves the appearance of skin, improving elasticity.
