By Kayla Colgrove, MS, RDN, ACSM-CPT Extension Educator in Lancaster County
Every March the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates National Nutrition Month®, a nutrition education and information campaign that focuses on making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The 2026 theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” highlights how food fuels our bodies, supports health at every age and influences how we feel and function day-to-day.
Here are simple ways to explore and benefit from building healthy habits this month and beyond.
POWER YOUR DAY WITH NUTRITION
Including a variety of healthful foods helps ensure you get the range of nutrients your body needs to support energy, focus and overall health.
• Eat an amount of calories that is right for you, based on age, sex, height, weight and physical activity level.
• Be mindful of portion sizes.
• Choose water and unsweetened beverages most often.
• Include protein foods at each meal from a variety of sources such as eggs, poultry, seafood, lean meats, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds.
• Eat a variety of colorful, nutrient-dense vegetables and fruits throughout the day.
• Choose fiber-rich whole grains like whole wheat bread, oatmeal and brown rice.
• Limit highly processed foods, added sugars and refined carbohydrates such as chips, cookies and candy.
STAY NOURISHED ON ANY BUDGET
Planning helps you make purposeful food choices that fit your schedule, preferences and budget.
• Plan meals based on what you already have at home and make a list for what you need to buy.
• Use a grocery list to shop with intention and limit impulse purchases.
• Use leftovers within three to four days for food safety, or freeze them for longer storage.
• Preparing meals ahead can reduce stress and help you rely less on quick, less nutritious options.
CREATE TASTY FOODS AT HOME
Learning basic cooking skills empowers you to control ingredients, manage portions and experiment with flavors.
• Try new ingredients or recipes from different cultures to expand your palate and add variety to meals.
• Make simple swaps, such as roasting vegetables instead of frying or using herbs and spices in place of salt.
• Preparing meals at home more often can help support healthier eating patterns and portion awareness.
SEEK PROFESSIONAL GUIDANCE
A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is a food and nutrition expert who can provide personalized, evidence-based guidance to support your health goals, medical needs and lifestyle. Whether you are managing a health condition, fueling an active lifestyle or simply looking for credible nutrition information, an RDN can help. Visit http://eatright.org to find an RDN in your area.
Sources:
• https://eatright.org/national-nutrition-month
• https://food.unl.edu
• https://realfood.gov