Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day: The Breakdown

Written by Kristen Herceg
Part of National Nutrition Month 2013

Whether you realize it or not, it’s National Nutrition Month 2013! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics has declared this year’s theme of Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day. Of those three phrases, the majority of people feel as though they have the second two under control. Personally, I eat my way everyday. But the first one, “eat right”, I’m less confident to say I do, and I think most would agree with me. What does it even mean to eat right? 

Each of these three phrases plays an integral role in the Academy’s chosen theme. Eating right is very broad and depends on the individual, which is why the Academy chose to include “your way” in this year’s slogan. We all  find ourselves in different situations, with different preferences, health disparities, and cultural traditions. That’s why there is no rulebook that includes a healthy diet that is perfect for

everyone. 

So why include “every day”, because it rhymes and sounds good? No, that is also an essential point in this year’s theme. We all know that we need food to survive. But eating right everyday becomes a habit and then a lifestyle when done everyday. To help yourself eat right, increase your fruits, vegetables and whole grains! 

Although this is theme for March 2013, it should be carried out every month, every year.  I would encourage you to explore what “your way” looks like. Why do you eat the way that you do? Start with making a few small changes a time, like switching out your white bread for whole grain instead. If you have questions about how to apply the three ideas of this year’s theme, then consult your physician, contact a registered dietitian or visit the Academy’s website (www.eatright.org). 

References

Johnny_Automatic.  (2006). Loaf of bread [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/1038/loaf-of-bread-by-johnny_automatic

Gerald_G. (2007). Simple fruit peach. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/8532/simple-fruit-peach-by-gerald_g

Gerald_G. (2007). Simple fruit watermelon. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/8533/simple-fruit-watermelon-by-gerald_g

Rugby471. (2009). Tango style chicken leg. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/23488/tango-style-chicken-leg-by-rugby471

mekonee_29. (2009). Vegetables set. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/21350/vegetables-set-by-mekonee_29-21350

mekonee_29. (2009). Vegetables set. [Web Graphic]. Retrieved from http://openclipart.org/detail/21358/vegetables-set-by-mekonee_29-21358

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