National Nutrition Month: Helpful Tips & Farmview Launches Dietitian Program

By Lauren Coheley, RDN, LD, CDE, The University of Georgia

There is something special about the month of March. It signifies the coming of spring with warmer weather and longer days.

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month®? “Go Further with Food” is the theme for 2018. The foods you choose to eat make a difference in your body; whether it’s a healthy breakfast to jump-start your metabolism or fueling up for a sports event. Being intentional and strategic with meals and snacks can also help to reduce food loss and waste!

So, let’s break it down, how do we “Go Further with Food?” Here are some helpful tips and an introduction to Farmview’s new dietitian program.

National Nutrition Month Tips

1. Eat the rainbow! The colors in foods are actually from the nutrients in the food; pigments called anthocyanins give red, purple and blue fruits/vegetables their color and also serve as powerful antioxidants in the body. Diversifying the colors on your plate ensures your body is getting a wide range of vitamins and minerals. Aim to eat a range of fruits and vegetables that vary in color throughout the week. The more vibrant, the more nutritious! Studies have shown that anthocyanins decrease the risk of macular degeneration, cancer, stroke, and can decrease inflammation!


2. Consider the foods you have in your pantry or refrigerator as you are making your grocery list for the week. Take this list to the store when you shop. This simple step can help to avoid purchasing duplicates. This strategy can help you reduce food waste and help to save you money.

3. Make an effort to purchase the amount of food that you and your family can eat or freeze within a few days and plan ways to use leftovers later in the week. Make sure you store your leftovers smartly! Glass storage containers are not only reusable and sustainable, but they also allow you to see what’s inside. The National Resources Defense Council estimates that up to 40% of food grown, processed and transported in the U.S. will never be eaten.

4. Be mindful of portion sizes. The MyPlate tool is a good visual recommendation of what your meals should look like. Choosing smaller portions not only helps reduce
food waste but it also gives you the power to decide if you’re still hungry to go back for seconds, instead of throwing half-eaten food away.

5. Use good food safety practices to prevent foodborne illness. Make sure you wash your hands and clean surfaces often. Refrigerate foods promptly after preparing them. Ensure that foods are cooked to the right temperature and do not cross-contaminate.

6. Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week. The Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans recommends that individuals get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity per week. Aim to take your dog for a longer walk, try out a yoga class with a friend, or take a bike ride in the spring weather.



7. Consider meeting with a registered dietitian nutritionist to learn more about the benefits of healthy eating. A registered dietitian nutritionist is a food expert who has met both academic and professional requirements and is equipped with the knowledge to make healthy eating sustainable, problem solving a cinch, and a great support system as you add new behaviors into your lifestyle.

About Lauren Coheley, RDN, LD, CDE
After graduating from the University of Georgia in May 2012, Lauren Coheley served as a Clinical Dietitian at Emory University Hospital Midtown. Although Lauren loved the hospital setting, she felt a calling towards nutrition research. In 2015 Lauren decided to pursue a Doctoral degree in the College of Family and Consumer Sciences Bone and Body Composition Laboratory at the University of Georgia. Currently, Lauren Coheley is a 3^rd-year Doctoral Candidate in the Department of Foods and Nutrition. Lauren’s research focus includes investigating the influence of egg consumption on bone health. In addition to her research endeavors, Lauren enjoys serving as the President of the Northeast Georgia Dietetics Association. When she is not busy in the lab, or serving her district, you can find Lauren practicing yoga or running around Athens with her dog Sadie.

Farmview Dietitian Program

Farmview is partnering with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist to offer privates consultation for our guests. The program will start this spring and guests can book Saturday sessions. Consultations can be purchased in packages or pay as you go with single appointments.

Learn More About Farmview's Dietitian Program