National Nutrition Month: nutrition facts for every season
By
Staff, AccuWeather
Published May 4, 2020 7:48 PM EDT
Summer marks the start to barbecue and grilling season, which is not without the potential for accidents. There are a number of safety precautions that you can take to reduce your risk of a grill fire.
The average person needs approximately 2000 - 2500 calories a day for optimal functioning. But how many of these calories come from nutrient-dense, healthy meals? Every year, we celebrate March as National Nutrition Month in the United States. However, good nutrition is important every month and season of the year. Yet, few of us are equipped with the right nutrition facts and information necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle at all times. So let's take a look at a few important nutritional facts that can help us adapt our diets to the changing climate and environment around us. However, before we get into it, let's also take a quick look at the purpose of National Nutrition Month.
Photo by Dan Gold
Dan Gold
Every year, National Nutrition Month focuses on being informed about the food choices you make. This year, the theme for the National Nutrition Month is "Eat Right, Bite by Bite." The purpose of the theme for National Nutrition Month is to promote the idea of sustainable diets. It emphasizes that healthy nutrition does not necessarily equate to a restrictive diet, but instead promotes consistently healthy choices. The National Nutrition Month campaign invites everyone to make healthier choices when it comes to both food consumption as well as physical activity. The challenges for each week of National Nutrition Month include eating a variety of foods, meal planning, developing culinary skills and consulting with a dietician for a personalized meal plan. In light of this endeavor, let's take a look at a few specific nutrition facts that can help us create more efficient meal plans to celebrate National Nutrition Month all year.
The season of spring generally runs from March to May. The focus of spring is usually on energy regulation. Its a time of renewal, new experiences, and freshness. So the nutrition facts we're about to explore center around a similar theme. Here are a few seasonal foods you need to try:
-
Leafy greens like spinach, romaine, lettuce, and arugula
-
Cilantro and leeks
-
Bitter foods like onions and mustard
-
Roots like radishes, beets, and carrots
You'll have access to all kinds of fresh produce so make the most of planning healthy nutrition. It's a great time for salad preparations, light sauces, minimally processed foods. It's a great time to shop at your local farmer's market for local produce and the new harvest. The FDA has taken special measures in its STEC Action plan to help to reduce the instances of foodborne illnesses in leafy greens.
Photo by Jill Wellington
Jill Wellington
Summer usually begins in June and runs until August. The sun will beat down on you and you're definitely going to feel the heat. With that in mind, your food choices are going to be a little juicier and more hydrating than usual. Here are some foods you can incorporate in your summer diet:
-
Juicy fruits like melons, tomatoes, berries, mangos, peaches, and pineapples
-
Cucumbers, ginger, and string beans
-
Sprouts and beans
Make sure to drink lots of water, teas, and other hydrating drinks. Foods that are loaded with vitamin C are usually a great option for the season. Tropical fruits are also available during this time and can make for a wonderful escape during the summer heat. Yogurt, curds and similar foods can also make great snacks during this time. However, dairy also spoils more easily during the hotter months. Be sure to study up on the individual nutrition facts of dairy products to ensure that you keep them from spoiling. Given the sudden changes in climate and global warming, it's also a good idea to keep track of hydrating foods in case of a heatwave. You never know what the forecast will bring!
Photo by Jill Wellington
fall food
Fall or autumn runs from September to November. This is the time where a lot of people begin to crave comfort. Perhaps it's not to the extent that this occurs during the winter, but nevertheless, nature delivers. Here are a few foods that come with the fall:
-
Apples, oranges and other orchard fruits
-
Pomegranates and grapes
-
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables
-
Fresh mushrooms
-
Crabs
-
Pumpkin
The fall is a fantastic time to indulge in some fresh fruits, and fruit-based desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pumpkin spiced lattes are great if that's what you're into and so is the occasional slice of apple pie. However, don't go overboard with dessert. Autumn is a great time to practice self-moderation. You can indulge yourself with a treat now and then, but also be mindful of the extent to which you are doing it. Excessive indulgence can be unhealthy.
Photo by Blogmood__
blogmood__
Winter runs from December to February. It's that time of year where it's particularly difficult to eat healthy, what with all the holiday treats available to you. However, as we said, the key is not restriction, but moderation. Here's are a few foods that are great for the winter:
-
Turnips, cabbages, bell peppers
-
Onions and garlic
-
Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and other kinds of nuts
Now is also a great time to experiment with various soups and broths. They're the perfect comfort food for the season, and if done right can be incredibly healthy as well as low-calorie. People also turn to storebought soups and chocolate drinks during the winter. While freshly cooked meals are generally much healthier, the occasional meal isn't going to hurt you. However, if you're on a weight loss plan, be sure to read the nutritional labels. With the FDA's latest changes to nutrition labels, it's a lot easier to keep track of your calories.
Photo by Karrie Zhu
Karrie Zhu
So there you have it, nutrition facts for every season! While some dietary tweaks need to be made from season to season, a few things remain constant. Make sure you read the nutrition fact labels behind every packaged product you consume. Keep an eye out for nutritional values as well as sugar content. The FDA recommends a maximum of 10% of your calories to come from sugar. As much as possible, try and shop for seasonal produce at your grocery. It's simply nature's way of keeping your diet in tune with the climate. Check out our current weather map, and stay updated with our weather forecast at all times!
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News / Health
National Nutrition Month: nutrition facts for every season
By Staff, AccuWeather
Published May 4, 2020 7:48 PM EDT
Summer marks the start to barbecue and grilling season, which is not without the potential for accidents. There are a number of safety precautions that you can take to reduce your risk of a grill fire.
The average person needs approximately 2000 - 2500 calories a day for optimal functioning. But how many of these calories come from nutrient-dense, healthy meals? Every year, we celebrate March as National Nutrition Month in the United States. However, good nutrition is important every month and season of the year. Yet, few of us are equipped with the right nutrition facts and information necessary to lead a healthy lifestyle at all times. So let's take a look at a few important nutritional facts that can help us adapt our diets to the changing climate and environment around us. However, before we get into it, let's also take a quick look at the purpose of National Nutrition Month.
Photo by Dan Gold
What is National Nutrition Month?
Every year, National Nutrition Month focuses on being informed about the food choices you make. This year, the theme for the National Nutrition Month is "Eat Right, Bite by Bite." The purpose of the theme for National Nutrition Month is to promote the idea of sustainable diets. It emphasizes that healthy nutrition does not necessarily equate to a restrictive diet, but instead promotes consistently healthy choices. The National Nutrition Month campaign invites everyone to make healthier choices when it comes to both food consumption as well as physical activity. The challenges for each week of National Nutrition Month include eating a variety of foods, meal planning, developing culinary skills and consulting with a dietician for a personalized meal plan. In light of this endeavor, let's take a look at a few specific nutrition facts that can help us create more efficient meal plans to celebrate National Nutrition Month all year.
Photo by RitaE
Spring nutrition facts
The season of spring generally runs from March to May. The focus of spring is usually on energy regulation. Its a time of renewal, new experiences, and freshness. So the nutrition facts we're about to explore center around a similar theme. Here are a few seasonal foods you need to try:
Leafy greens like spinach, romaine, lettuce, and arugula
Cilantro and leeks
Bitter foods like onions and mustard
Roots like radishes, beets, and carrots
You'll have access to all kinds of fresh produce so make the most of planning healthy nutrition. It's a great time for salad preparations, light sauces, minimally processed foods. It's a great time to shop at your local farmer's market for local produce and the new harvest. The FDA has taken special measures in its STEC Action plan to help to reduce the instances of foodborne illnesses in leafy greens.
Photo by Jill Wellington
Summer nutrition facts
Summer usually begins in June and runs until August. The sun will beat down on you and you're definitely going to feel the heat. With that in mind, your food choices are going to be a little juicier and more hydrating than usual. Here are some foods you can incorporate in your summer diet:
Juicy fruits like melons, tomatoes, berries, mangos, peaches, and pineapples
Cucumbers, ginger, and string beans
Sprouts and beans
Make sure to drink lots of water, teas, and other hydrating drinks. Foods that are loaded with vitamin C are usually a great option for the season. Tropical fruits are also available during this time and can make for a wonderful escape during the summer heat. Yogurt, curds and similar foods can also make great snacks during this time. However, dairy also spoils more easily during the hotter months. Be sure to study up on the individual nutrition facts of dairy products to ensure that you keep them from spoiling. Given the sudden changes in climate and global warming, it's also a good idea to keep track of hydrating foods in case of a heatwave. You never know what the forecast will bring!
Photo by Jill Wellington
Fall nutrition facts
Fall or autumn runs from September to November. This is the time where a lot of people begin to crave comfort. Perhaps it's not to the extent that this occurs during the winter, but nevertheless, nature delivers. Here are a few foods that come with the fall:
Apples, oranges and other orchard fruits
Pomegranates and grapes
Broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and other cruciferous vegetables
Fresh mushrooms
Crabs
Pumpkin
The fall is a fantastic time to indulge in some fresh fruits, and fruit-based desserts to satisfy your sweet tooth. Pumpkin spiced lattes are great if that's what you're into and so is the occasional slice of apple pie. However, don't go overboard with dessert. Autumn is a great time to practice self-moderation. You can indulge yourself with a treat now and then, but also be mindful of the extent to which you are doing it. Excessive indulgence can be unhealthy.
Photo by Blogmood__
Winter nutrition facts
Winter runs from December to February. It's that time of year where it's particularly difficult to eat healthy, what with all the holiday treats available to you. However, as we said, the key is not restriction, but moderation. Here's are a few foods that are great for the winter:
Turnips, cabbages, bell peppers
Onions and garlic
Walnuts, almonds, hazelnuts and other kinds of nuts
Now is also a great time to experiment with various soups and broths. They're the perfect comfort food for the season, and if done right can be incredibly healthy as well as low-calorie. People also turn to storebought soups and chocolate drinks during the winter. While freshly cooked meals are generally much healthier, the occasional meal isn't going to hurt you. However, if you're on a weight loss plan, be sure to read the nutritional labels. With the FDA's latest changes to nutrition labels, it's a lot easier to keep track of your calories.
Photo by Karrie Zhu
Nutrition facts for all seasons
So there you have it, nutrition facts for every season! While some dietary tweaks need to be made from season to season, a few things remain constant. Make sure you read the nutrition fact labels behind every packaged product you consume. Keep an eye out for nutritional values as well as sugar content. The FDA recommends a maximum of 10% of your calories to come from sugar. As much as possible, try and shop for seasonal produce at your grocery. It's simply nature's way of keeping your diet in tune with the climate. Check out our current weather map, and stay updated with our weather forecast at all times!
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