March is National Nutrition Month! Its focus is to put attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. Whether it’s starting the day off right with a healthy breakfast or fueling before an athletic event, the foods you choose can make a real difference. Preparing your foods to go further, by planning meals and snacks in advance can also help to reduce food loss and waste. The nutritional experts at Alsana are excited to share their thoughts, news and updates during National Nutrition Month.

What is a diet?

Google defines the word diet as “the kinds of food that a person, animal, or community habitually eats”. When I was in school, this was the ONLY definition. Unfortunately, this word has come to mean something more. It now means restricting oneself of specific food items in order to lose weight. This makes me sad. When did we as a culture decide that food was bad? Food is fuel. It is meant to be enjoyed. Why would we need to eat multiple times each day to sustain life if this wasn’t meant to be a pleasurable activity? I would encourage each of you, for National Nutrition Month, to begin neutralizing the word diet and remember that ALL foods fit.

Here are some examples of statements that help to neutralize food:

1. food is not a form of currency
2. anti-diet does not mean anti-health
3. food provides my body with energy

Happy National Nutrition Month!
Rachael Wolf, RD, LD
Lead Dietitian of St. Louis Outpatient Services (PHP & IOP)