Discovering the power of nutrition requires more than just information; it’s about empowering yourself to make informed decisions for your health.
Although National Nutrition Month® puts a spotlight on healthy eating every March, the real work happens in our everyday choices. It’s a habit we can all practice by finding small, simple improvements each day, remembering that we are striving for a healthier life, not a perfect one.
Look at Facts vs. Fiction that could help you make better choices:
| The Fiction | The Facts |
|---|---|
| 1. Consuming raw milk cannot cause serious health risks. | Raw milk is unpasteurized. Pasteurization safely removes harmful bacteria while preserving the milk’s essential nutritional benefits. |
| 2. A vegetarian diet can't provide adequate protein and energy for adults. | Vegetarian eating can fully support protein and nutrient needs for active adults when it includes a variety of foods and enough calories. |
| 3. Seed oils should be avoided and have no place in a healthful, balanced diet. | Research supports using seed oils as a heart-healthy alternative to saturated fats. For best results, use them in moderation alongside a diet rich in whole, minimally processed foods. |
| 4. All sugars are the same, so it doesn't matter if they come from a piece of fruit or a candy bar. | While sugars are chemically the same, the "package" matters. Naturally occurring sugars like the ones found in fruit and milk are found alongside offer vitamins and fiber—nutrients often missing from foods with added sugars, like candy and soda. |
| 5. Everyone should take a vitamin or mineral supplement. | For most of us, nutrients should come from food. That's why we reccomend having a balanced way of eating. However, supplements may be necessary during pregnancy, for diagnosed deficiencies, or when the diet is lacking. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any dietary supplement |
This information has been adapted from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month® resources.
See other resources that can help you in you path to Discover the Power of Nutrition:
A Guide to the Strategic Pantry
Shopping Better to Eat Healthier
Feeding Your Body, Feeding Your Brain
No Time for Exercise? 7 Easy Ways to Move More
N.C. Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agents are here to provide you evidence-based information to help improve your eating patterns and your life. But if you have a medical condition or are asked by your physician to lose weight, ask for a referral to a registered dietitian/nutritionist, also known as RDNs. They are the food and nutrition experts that can help you with your condition.
If you have any nutrition questions, please email Ivelisse Colón, FCS Agent, or call her at 919-245-2055.
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