March Is National Nutrition Month: 3 Ways to Fuel Your Body
March is National Nutrition Month®, a time to celebrate the importance of nutrition, make smarter food choices, and develop healthy habits that last a lifetime. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics sponsors National Nutrition Month® as a nutrition education and information campaign annually. This campaign highlights the importance of informed food choices and healthy eating and physical activity habits.
At Sanford Behavioral Health, we embrace educating and helping our patients find the support they need with nutrition. Our nutrition education program helps people in our care build a balanced, positive relationship with food. Whether you’re recovering from an eating disorder, managing mental health challenges, or simply striving to enhance your overall well-being, our program offers meaningful support. This National Nutrition Month®, take the opportunity to explore simple yet powerful ways to nourish your body and min
3 Ways to Fuel Your Body
1. Prioritize a Balanced Diet
A well-balanced diet provides the nutrients your body and mind need to function at their best. Eating a variety of foods helps you get the vitamins, minerals, and energy needed for daily life. But what does balance actually look like?
Tips for building a balanced diet:
- Include a variety of foods – Aim to fill your plate with a mix of proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and colorful fruits and vegetables.
- Practice mindful eating – Slow down and listen to your body’s hunger and fullness cues.
- Stay hydrated – Drinking enough water supports digestion, energy levels, and overall health.
Our expert team believes nutrition should be inclusive, flexible, and not restrictive. Our nutrition education program helps our patients rebuild a healthy relationship with food, focusing on nourishment rather than rigid rules.
2. Plan Your Meals Ahead
Good nutrition doesn’t happen by accident—it takes planning and intention. By preparing meals in advance, making mindful grocery shopping decisions, and setting realistic nutrition goals, you can create habits that fuel your body and support long-term well-being.
Here are some ideas for meal planning:
- Create a weekly menu – Write out simple meal ideas that incorporate a balance of nutrients.
- Grocery shop with purpose – Make a list of whole foods that will keep you feeling energized throughout the week.
- Prep ingredients in advance – Wash, chop, and portion ingredients ahead of time to make cooking easier.
These small steps can make a big difference in maintaining consistent, nutritious eating habits. Plus, planning ahead reduces stress and makes it easier to enjoy meals without feeling overwhelmed.
3. Find Support Through Nutrition Resources
Changing your nutrition habits doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially with the right support. A registered dietitian can create a plan tailored just for you, helping you discover how balanced eating boosts your health or even impacts your mental well-being. Looking for extra motivation? Nutrition-focused group therapy and workshops offer a sense of community to keep you on track.
You’ll also find plenty of free tools online, like meal planning guides and healthy eating tips from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. At Sanford Behavioral Health, we take it a step further. Our dietitians, therapists, and medical professionals work together to help you build sustainable habits through one-on-one counseling, group sessions, and holistic therapies. With the right resources in your corner, prioritizing your health feels not only achievable—but empowering!
Contact Sanford Behavioral Health for Guidance on Making Sustainable Nutritional Changes
National Nutrition Month® is the perfect time to focus on simple, sustainable ways to fuel your body. And you don’t have to take this step alone. Sanford Behavioral Health offers a supportive environment and evidence-based approaches to help you make meaningful changes that last. Our experience in treating a range of mental health concerns and eating disorders makes us uniquely equipped to address the complex relationship between nutrition and well-being. Let us help you—call us at 616.202.3326 or contact us online to learn more about our services.
