March is National Nutrition Month Published March 4, 2009 By Maj. Stacey Van Orden 81st Diagnostics and Therapeutics Squadron KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, BILOXI, MISS. -- March is that month somewhere between New Year's resolutions, Super Bowl, Valentine's Day chocolates, Mardi Gras goodies... and swimsuit season! What better time to get into a healthy mindset? March is National Nutrition Month, with "Eat Right" as this year's theme. Created by the American Dietetic Association in 1973, the observance promotes healthful eating with practical nutritional guidance, focusing attention on making informed food choices and developing sound physical activity habits. Key messages from the ADA: Make a plan -- adopt a few specific small changes. A few small healthy changes, such as adding one piece of fruit to your diet each day, aren't difficult to do and can make a huge difference to your health. Focus on your food -- plan your meals so you don't get distracted and make unhealthy decisions based on convenience. Eating balanced meals with appropriate portions will help you manage your caloric intake. Make calories count -- choose nutrient-rich foods. Most of your food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients. Increase physical activity -- regular physical activity is important for overall health and fitness. It's recommend that adults be physically active for about an hour a day. Play it safe -- always clean hands and food-contact surfaces, keep raw and cooked foods separate, cook foods to a proper temperature and chill leftovers promptly to avoid illness. Be aware of changing nutritional needs -- depending on your age and overall health.