CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
"Nutrition: It's a Matter of Fact" is the theme for this year's National Nutrition Month campaign.
New information about diet and food seems to appear every day, creating a massive maze of confusion. It can be difficult to figure out the most healthful eating plan given the many nutrition myths floating about in the media as "truth." A friend's personal endorsement of a trendy diet, news reports about conflicting research on egg consumption and heart disease, an e-mail about the next hottest weight-loss pill -- what is true, and how do you separate facts from fiction when it comes to nutrition information?
No single meal or food makes or breaks a healthful eating plan. An overall pattern of eating is most important, and a wide variety of foods can fit within a healthy eating plan if consumed in moderation with appropriate portions and regular physical activity. It's important to focus on information that is based on scientific research, not just any trendy magazine sitting in the check-out aisle.
The American Dietetic Association has designated March as National Nutrition Month and reminds consumers that registered dietitians are the most valuable and credible sources of timely, science-based nutrition information. The National Nutrition Month campaign reminds Americans of these "Top Ten Facts about Nutrition" from the Experts at the ADA:
1. Eating right doesn't have to be complicated. Use www.mypyramid.gov to develop a personalized plan for lifelong health.
2. The best nutrition advice is based on science. Before adopting any changes to your diet, be sure the information is based in scientific fact.
3. Get food and nutrition facts from the expert: a registered dietitian. Registered dietitians are uniquely qualified to translate the science of nutrition into reliable advice people can use every day.
4. Balancing physical activity and a healthful diet is the best recipe for managing weight and promoting overall health and fitness.
5. Think nutrient-rich rather than "good" or "bad" foods. The majority of food choices should be packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients while being lower in calories.
6. Look at the big picture; no single food or meal makes or breaks a healthful diet. A total diet is the most important focus for healthful eating.
7. Prepare, handle and store food properly to keep everyone safe from food-borne illness.
8. Don't fall prey to food myths and misinformation that may harm rather than benefit health.
9. Read food labels to get nutrition facts that enable making smart food choices quickly and easily.
10. Find the healthy fats when making food choices. By choosing polyunsaturated or monounsaturated fats (canola and olive oil, nuts, fish, avocados, etc), people can keep saturated fats, trans fats and cholesterol low.
During the month of March, look for other nutrition factoids featured in the Airlift Dispatch by the ADA.