In March, the American Dietetic Association celebrates National Nutrition Month^®. This year's theme "Eat Right with Color" encourages parents to take time to make sure their children are getting all of the nutrients they need to grow and thrive. The 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends an increased focus on fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts and whole grains. By adding in lean meats, fish, poultry, and low-fat dairy products to these recommendations creates a rainbow of colors on the plate that serves as the foundation for a healthful eating plan.

“By eating a greater variety of foods helps provide the different nutrients the body needs,” says Gayla Sperry, Registered Dietitian, Wasatch County Health Department, “to maximize the nutritional value of your meal, include healthful choices in a variety of colors." Most children and adults don’t eat a well balanced diet. Two major causes for this imbalance are: 1) an increased consumption of over processed grain products; and 2) drinking more sugar loaded drinks (i.e. soda pop, energy drinks, etc.) instead of milk and water. “Making a few simple changes can have a big payoff when it comes to nutrition and health,” says Sperry.

Wasatch County Health Department and the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program encourages you to make one change a week to establish healthy habits for your family – keep it simple and positive. For more information and ideas, visit their website at www.wasatchcountyhd.org and www.kidseatright.org.