As seniors, let us spread awareness on the need for a more nutritious diet in the lives of our communities and beyond
National Nutrition Week raises awareness about healthy eating habits and balanced diets to enhance well-being.
This year the theme is – Feeding Smart Right From The Start
Find out how you can (as a parent, grandparent or mentor) help spread the need for a nutritious lifestyle from the time the child is born.
A few NNW facts:
- Celebrated annually from September 1 to 7, with a focus on education in nutrition.
- Aims to boost awareness about healthy dietary choices and their impact.
- Emphasizes balanced diets – rich in essential nutrients for better health.
- Strives to improve overall well-being through mindful food choices.
- Encourages individuals to adopt healthier eating habits for a healthier life.
The History of National Nutrition Week:
Began in 1973 by the American Dietetic Association, now the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
- India adopted it in 1982 to address malnutrition and promote nutrition education.
- It aims to raise awareness about the importance of balanced diets for better health.
- Originally a week-long event, it was expanded to a month in 1980.
- In 2023, the United Nations designated it as the International Year of Millets.
- Focuses on advocating for diverse and nutritious food choices globally.
- National Nutrition Week, initiated in 1973, educates on balanced diets, addressing malnutrition, and promoting diverse, nutritious foods.
The basic purpose of the National Nutrition Week is to:
- Raise awareness about the critical importance of proper nutrition for health.
- Promote the adoption of healthy eating habits among individuals and communities.
- Combat malnutrition in all its forms, including undernutrition.
- Encourage the consumption of balanced diets rich in essential nutrients.
- Improve overall well-being by emphasizing the role of nutrition in leading a healthier life.
How Can You ‘Feed Smart Right From The Start’? Here are some tips:
- Breast milk is the smartest first food. Make sure your baby gets it at least for the first six months to a year
- Gradually introduce a variety of healthy foods
- Start with foods that have softer textures. The healthier options would be puréed meats, poultry, beans, and iron-fortified cereals
- Offer less milk and juice between meals to prevent fullness
- Give your child more fruits and vegetables, organic lean protein, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Make tasty, fun, and nutritious snacks. Few options can be Yogurt Fruit muffins, Peanut Butter on apple slices, and slices of cheese with fruit
- Reduce or eliminate junk food and sugars that harm a developing child’s brain
- Parents can be a good role model for their children because healthy eating parents can raise healthy eating children
- Eat together, and set rules for peaceful, light conversation at meal times
10 Nutrition Facts
Here are 10 interesting facts to celebrate National Nutrition Week:
- Your body produces its weight in digestive juices each day.
- The human brain is nearly 60% fat, requiring healthy fats for optimal function.
- Broccoli contains more protein per calorie than steak. Broccoli is also high in other nutrients, including fibre, vitamin C, vitamin K, potassium, and iron. Steak contains iron and zinc.
- Nutrient deficiencies can affect your sense of taste and smell.
- A single avocado has more potassium than a banana.
- Dark chocolate can improve brain function and enhance mood.
- Spinach, Carrot and Tomatoes – release more nutrients when cooked.
- Tomatoes are rich in lycopene, linked to reduced cancer risk.
- Quinoa is a complete protein source, containing all essential amino acids.
- Celery has a negative calorie effect, as it takes more energy to digest than it provides.
What Can We Do As Seniors?
Here are some ideas on how to promote National Nutrition Week:
- If you can, host a nutrition workshop to educate the community; include women that don’t have access to nutrition education, as they feed their families.
- Share nutritious recipes and cooking tips via social media and local events.
- Advocate for mindful eating and portion control to promote healthier habits.
Check out our article from NNW 2023: https://seniorstoday.in/trending/national-nutrition-week-2023
