March 13, 2008
National Nutrition Month promotes healthy lifestyle changes
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - False information and fad diets are confusing consumers about the best ways to live a health lifestyle, said a Purdue University expert.National Nutrition Month, held annually in March, is an effort by the American Dietetic Association to combat myths and help consumers live their healthiest.
This year's theme, Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact, focuses on the importance of utilizing factual, research-based information to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical activity habits.
"One of the biggest challenges is the amount of misinformation out there about healthy eating because consumers aren't sure what to believe," said Laura Palmer, Purdue Extension specialist in foods and nutrition.
Throughout the month, local Purdue Extension offices will work with community organizations to host health and wellness fairs and food drives and will spread the word about healthy living to children in schools and libraries.
"Part of our message is just to make sure people know what foods are best and to remind them that portion control is a major aspect of healthy eating," said Georgia Wagner, Purdue Extension Educator in foods and nutrition and a registered dietitian. "Some important aspects of a healthy diet include eating plenty of whole grains and a large range of colorful fruits and vegetables - the brighter and darker the color, the better.
"Often, this means planning ahead to have healthy foods available rather than running to the local fast food restaurant when it's time to eat."
In addition to eating well, National Nutrition Month also is a time to emphasize physical activity.
"Exercise is essential for keeping a well-balanced healthy lifestyle," Wagner said.
Consumers can find accurate, research-based information and resources by visiting the American Dietetic Association Web site at https://www.eatright.org and the MyPyramid Web site at https://www.mypyramid.gov.
For more information about local Purdue Extension activities in conjunction with National Nutrition Month, call (888) EXT-INFO.
Writer: Jennifer Cummins, (765) 494-6682, cumminsjs@purdue.edu
Sources: Georgia Wagner, (765) 973-9281, wagnerg@purdue.edu
Laura Palmer, (765) 496-2626, lpalmer@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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