National Nutrition Month (NNM) is observed every March in the United States, created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (AND) to promote the importance of making informed food choices and developing healthy eating habits. The theme of National Nutrition Month 2025 is “Food Connects Us”.
In a world where processed foods, sedentary lifestyles, and health misinformation are common, it’s more crucial than ever for Americans to be aware of the benefits of proper nutrition. National Nutrition Month serves as a reminder to prioritize our health, improve our relationship with food, and make conscious decisions that nourish our bodies for the long term.
Here are some essential nutrients mentioned with their work and from where you can gain them!
Some Essential Nutrients:
1. Proteins:
Our body needs protein to work optimally, along with fats and carbs. It builds tissue and repairs it when needed. Protein also produces enzymes and hormones, supports immune function, and provides energy. Hence, it is one of the essential nutrients!
Protein can be gained through two main sources.
One is animal-based protein, and the other is plant-based protein. In animal-based protein, you can gain from meat, fish, seafood, and eggs. For plant-based sources, you can try beans and lentils, which are excellent choices if you’re vegetarian or vegan! Tofu, quinoa, and nuts & seeds can also be good choices for protein.
2. Carbohydrates:
The primary role of carbohydrates is for the brain and muscles. Carbs are broken down into glucose (a kind of sugar), which is used by your body for energy. The brain needs glucose for proper functioning. Plus, muscles also store glucose, which is used during physical activities!
3. Fats:
One of the most misunderstood nutrients is fat, which plays a very crucial role in the body. In fact, not all fats are bad for the body because some fats are very important. The body stores fat as a long-term source of energy, which can be used when carbs are depleted.
Fats also support vitamins like A, D, E, and K. Even healthy fats are crucial for brain function, including memory, cognition, and emotional regulation. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are found in certain fats, are known to improve mood and cognitive function.
Bad fats are largely found in packaged food, deep-fried foods, baked items like cakes, and more, which should be avoided. But good fats can be gained from olive oil, nuts, avocados, peanut butter, canola oil, flax-seed oil, soybeans, and tofu.
4. Vitamins:
Vitamins are important for the immune system and support energy production. While vitamins are required in smaller amounts compared to other nutrients, they are still essential. The body cannot produce most vitamins, so you need to obtain them from your diet.
5. Minerals:
Minerals are involved in a variety of critical processes like bone health, fluid balance, nerve transmission, and muscle function. Just like vitamins, the body cannot produce minerals, so a balanced diet can help you obtain the necessary minerals. There are several types of minerals, and each has different sources.
For example:
- Calcium can be gained from dairy items like milk and yogurt, tofu, and spinach.
- Phosphorus can be gained from meat, fish, and eggs.
- Magnesium can be obtained from nuts and seeds.
- Sodium is found in salt, processed foods, canned soups, and salty snacks.
- Potassium can be gained from bananas, oranges, potatoes, and beans.
Overall, all foods are good but should be consumed in limited portions. A smart nutrition scale can help you track the intake of carbs, fats, proteins, and fibre in the right portions!
5 Steps for Better Health:
Eat Smarter:
A balanced diet is important, but eating smarter is even more crucial than simply following a diet. All foods are good, but they should be eaten in the right portions. What matters is how many calories your body needs, how much you take, and the right balance of carbs, fats, and protein. All of these are crucial, whether you're aiming for better health, muscle gain, or fat loss.
These can all be tracked with the help of a smart macro scale, where you can track the weight of your food and its calories. Some macro scales even connect with apps to give you all the crucial details.
Also read about how to count calories manually!
Stay Hydrated:
Staying properly hydrated is vital as it helps regulate body temperature, supports digestion, and boosts energy. During National Nutrition Month 2025, focusing on hydration can be a game-changer for your health journey. It also helps detoxify the body and flush out toxins and waste products.
(Ref: https://functionwell.com.au/ )
Moreover, staying hydrated supports the kidneys. Men should aim to drink approximately 3.7 litres (125 ounces) of water daily, and women should aim for 2.7 litres (91 ounces), including all beverages and food. We recommend drinking water and natural juices more than packaged beverages!
Physical Activities:
Physical activities are also crucial in today’s fast-paced life. Everyone should dedicate at least 2 hours per week to physical activity. You can jog, walk, workout, do yoga, or engage in any activity you enjoy.
Physical activity helps burn calories for better health and fitness. Exercise like walking, cycling, or swimming can also help your heart function better and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Go through heart health month about the exercise & food that help the heart!
Mindful Eating:
Some athletes do not care about the taste of food. They see food simply as fuel for the body. They can eat the same meal for 365 days without getting bored because they’ve trained their minds to understand the nutritional value of that food. They know it benefits their body and helps them stay healthy, so they can eat without hesitation!
Mindful eating is about eating smarter! By paying attention to what you eat, how you eat, and why you eat, you can make more informed, intentional choices that support your fitness goals. With everything available online, you can search for more information and deepen your knowledge.
Incorporating mindfulness into your eating habits during National Nutrition Month 2025 could be a great way to start building healthier, more sustainable eating habits that benefit your long-term fitness journey.
Seek Expert Guidance:
Many dietitians and fitness apps, like My Fitness Pal, NextLevel Fit App, and others, can provide a complete guide of what you are eating and how many calories your body needs based on your BMI index. You can also schedule an appointment with an expert who can suggest a specific diet based on your body.
Everyone's genes and bodies are different, so their diet needs to be unique as well. A smart kitchen scale that connects with an app can be a perfect tool to guide you. Additionally, self-learning is the best way to understand your body’s needs.
Conclusion:
These are the 5 steps that can guide you toward a better health journey. If you haven’t given much importance to your body until now, start with the fabulous month of March, celebrated as National Nutrition Month, and follow these five crucial steps for better health.
Learn more about the importance of nutrients with the NextLevel Fit App!
