National Nutrition Month celebrates its 50th anniversary this year! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics started this yearly initiative in 1973. A panel selects a theme for each year, and this year's theme is Fuel For The Future, which will concentrate on sustainable eating practices.
Q: What is sustainable eating?
A: Sustainable eating promotes the well-being of the environment and all living things.
Making informed decisions about the foods we eat, their origins, and production methods is part of eating sustainably.
Ultimately, it’s about making informed decisions that prioritize the health of both our bodies and the planet.
Here are 15 ways to celebrate this year’s
National Nutrition Month: Fuel For The Future!
1. Shop at your local Farmer’s Market!
Shopping at Farmer’s Markets has many benefits, like supporting local agriculture, reducing packaging waste, and gathering with neighbors. Local Farmer’s Markets have become a fun place to connect with your community, listen to local musicians, and enjoy the fresh air while getting a little exercise!
A trip to the Farmer’s Market can inspire your weekly meal plan with the freshest ingredients.
2. Grow your own food.
Grow your own herbs, fruits, and veggies! Enjoy a steady supply of fresh, pesticide-free produce all season long! Want to start a Gut Healthy Garden? Check out this blog post!
3. Compost if you can!
Use a compost bin to reduce food waste and create nutrient-rich soil for gardening.
4. Eat more plants!
Try adding meat-free meal options to your meal-planning routine!
Meat-free meals can include:
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A big healthy garden salad with all your favorite veggies and a light DIY prebiotic salad dressing made with just better.® fiber!
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Bean & quinoa burrito bowls. (Don’t forget to add just better.® fiber!)
- Cauliflower fried rice with veggies and DIY sesame dressing with just better.®!
- Lentil soup with DIY sourdough herb croutons (+ just better.® of course!)
BONUS: Eating more plants helps us reach our daily fiber intake goals and live just better.®! 
5. Whenever possible, shop for organic produce.
Opt for organic produce to avoid harmful chemicals and pesticides.
6. Reduce or eliminate processed foods.
Ultra-processed foods are hazardous to our health, and manufacturing facilities leave a massive carbon footprint. If you’d like to learn more, check out this study about ultra-processed food manufacturing and its impact on the environment.
7. Select sustainable seafood options.
To protect marine ecosystems, look for labels that display sustainability certifications, such as those issued by the Marine Stewardship Council.
8. Plan your meals in advance!
Planning your meals in advance is a healthier option and typically means fewer trips to the market! You can buy in money-saving bulk, which helps reduce packaging. Check out our 5-Step Meal Prep plan!
BONUS: Going to the grocery store with a plan helps to reduce food waste and impulse buying!
9.) Try cooking things from scratch!
When time permits, cook from scratch to reduce packaging and food waste.
10. Eat your leftovers!
Reduce food waste, save money, and use your leftovers for new meals or to-go lunches!
11. Eco-friendly food storage.
Reusable bags, containers, and utensils help reduce waste. Recycle whenever possible!
12. Kitchen cleanup counts!
Avoid harmful chemicals that can harm the environment and your health by using non-toxic cleaning supplies.
13. Bottle it up!
Opt for reusable, eco-friendly water bottles instead of bottled water to cut down on plastic waste.
14.) Try using energy-efficient cooking methods.
Many energy-efficient cooking devices, such as pressure cookers, slow cookers, and air fryers, are on the market today. They help save energy and reduce our carbon footprint.
15. Support your local food bank.
In addition to helping to meet the needs of our neighbors, local food banks and food recovery programs help reduce food waste.
We hope this blog inspires you to take a closer look at how our food choices can impact our environment. Eating sustainably is a delicious way to fuel the future!
LIVE… just better.®!