For Release: February 25, 2010
Contact: Pamela Williams
Office of Communications
(405) 271-5601

Nutrition from the Ground Up 
March is National Nutrition Month®

Focusing on good nutrition helps build a strong foundation for healthy living and disease prevention. March is National Nutrition Month® and a great time to learn how to make healthy choices and take steps toward a healthier you and a healthier Oklahoma.

“Warm weather is just around the corner and with it comes fresh, tasty, and healthy Oklahoma foods.  Whether you buy it from your local farmer, the grocery store, or grow it yourself, it's easy to add more fruits and veggies to your plate,” said OSDH Chronic Disease Service Nutrition Coordinator Landon Norton.

As part of March’s National Nutrition Month®, OSDH and the American Dietetic Association offer five tips for “Nutrition from the Ground Up.”

1. Focus on Fruits and Vegetables: Add a serving of each to every meal whether it’s fresh, frozen, or canned.
2. Look Locally: Oklahoma has many great farmers’ markets across the state. To locate one near you visit www.okgrown.com and help support Oklahoma’s farmers.
3. Make Calories Count: Watching calories is very important, but not the only basis for choosing foods. Try to make choices that will also provide important vitamins and nutrients.  
4. Test your Taste Buds: Trying new foods can be fun! By trying new things, you may discover a healthy favorite to include in your diet!
5. Trick Yourself with Treats: If you have a sweet tooth, try substituting fruit or yogurt for your dessert. You can save on calories and tackle your cravings.

In recognition of the March National Nutrition Month® observance and efforts to help promote healthful eating, the Maternal and Child Health Service, Chronic Disease Service, and the Women, Infants and Children’s (WIC) Service of the OSDH have informational materials available for Oklahomans at the Strong & Healthy Oklahoma Web site, www.ok.gov/strongandhealthy.  Materials will also include tips for “nutrition from the ground up” provided by the American Dietetic Association.

For more information on making wise nutrition and activity choices, contact a registered dietitian at your local county health department or view the Web sites: www.eatright.org, www.ok.gov/strongandhealthy , http://bis.health.ok.gov, and www.MyPyramid.gov.

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