National Nutrition Week: Rashtriya Poshan Maah, Theme & History

National Nutrition Week is celebrated each year from 1st September to the 7th September to aware the people about important tips of their health and well-being. Through the national nutrition week campaign people from all over the world can be educated to maintain their look and feel better.

National Nutrition Week: Rashtriya Poshan Maa (1 – 7 September)

People can be aware of their food groups and balanced diet from which they can get good nutritious things. A healthy should include the whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fat-free milk or milk products, meats, fish, nuts, seeds and etc.

The objective of the National Nutrition Week is to enhance the nutritional practice awareness among people of the community through the adoptable training, timely education, seminars, different competitions, road shows and many other campaigns and to make a healthy Nation.

The one week campaign involves one day training, preparing the nutritious food with the healthy stuff, an exhibition by the students of Home Science, comment on wheat and soybean to let them known about nutritious value, various competitions, nutrition lecture to Mothers, road shows and seminars.

The National Nutrition Week campaign has a Nutrition Week Kit which is filled with the resources to aid the family to prepare healthy food. The campaign includes the World Food Day and also added the Nude Food Day since 2010.

According to the reports it is noted that people has started the utilization of sugary drinks which is the reason to increase the weight gain and fatness in adolescents. The Department of Food Science and Nutrition Management has established a one day occasion for people to state the Nutrition awareness at 8th of September in the year 2010. The campaign includes poster competition, a cooking contest for Healthy heart food, counseling for diet, measuring the BMI, lecture on diseases and prevention of the Heart and many more.

National Nutrition Week:

National Nutrition Week: This is observed during the first week of September. Check out this article to know more and all about the importance of nutrition in diet.

Every year, September 1 to September 7 is observed as National Nutrition Week or Rashtriya Poshan Maah in India. It aims to emphasise the importance of a nutritious diet for the overall development of physical and mental health. Also, the spread of awareness about the bad impact of fast food and promotes healthy eating habits.

National Nutrition Week was first observed in 1975 by the American Dietetic Association, which is now known as the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. This week was intended to raise awareness of how crucial proper eating and exercise are to living a long and healthy life.

Later, it was first observed in India in 1982. The government started a number of programs to promote healthy eating and explain how it contributes to keeping young and living longer. According to UNICEF, the theme of Nutrition Month 2023 is “Healthy Diet Gawing Affordable for All.”

History:

The campaign was first started by the central government in the year 1982 in order to encourage the good health and healthy living through the nutrition education as the malnutrition is the main obstruction to the National Development. To encourage the people for the same, the Food and Nutrition Board including 43 units (departments of women and child development, health and NGOs) is working all over the country to maneuver the activities.

Lactating mothers are greatly encouraged to feed their newborn baby the first milk known as the colostrums and mother milk for 6 months to provide the newborns a great level of immunity and healthy living. The Indian Dietetic Association from Bangalore has decided to conduct an awareness program for Nutrition and Diet at Bhagwan Mahaveer Jain Hospital, Millers Road, Bangalore where the diet for Heart Disease, Diabetes, Children and Women will also be covered.

What is Malnutrition?

Malnutrition is a physical state of an unbalanced nutrition level due to undernutrition or overnutrition. Undernutrition can be caused due to a lack of calories, protein or other nutrients while eating too many calories caused over-nutrition.

Malnutrition can lead to stunted growth, developmental delays, and more sickness due to poor immune function. So, it is important that malnutrition is diagnosed in a timely manner.

To overcome the problem of malnutrition, a balanced diet and proper knowledge about nutrition can play an important role in our day to day life.

Why nutrition is important?

Nutrition is the science or practice of consuming and utilizing foods. Food provides our body with energy, protein, essential fats, vitamins, and minerals to live, grow, and function properly. Therefore, a balanced diet is important for good health and well being. It is said that an unhealthy diet increases the risk of many diet-related diseases. People should include a healthy diet in their daily routine like whole grains, fruits, vegetables, fat-free milk, etc. full of nutrition which not only helps in growth but also make the immune system strong.

National Nutrition Week: Activities

Theme: National Nutrition Week

Wishes & Messages:

• On the occasion of National Nutrition Week, best wishes to you! Enjoy a prosperous and healthy future, but don’t forget to keep up a healthy eating routine. Cheers to Nutrition Week!
• What could be better than eating wholesome, nutritious food? Let’s all help share this idea throughout National Nutrition Week!
• The abundance of nutrients in our diet is a blessing from God. Now, it is up to us to show God’s creation respect. Good luck with National Nutrition Week!
• Still, starvation affects a large portion of the population in our nation. It is our duty as thoughtful and accountable citizens to support efforts to abolish malnutrition. Good luck with National Nutrition Week!
• Let’s all promise to constantly practice healthy eating habits throughout National Nutrition Week in order to support a healthier India. Happy National Nutrition Week, my friend!
• A balanced diet is an important part of human growth. Good Food Good Life!
• Nutritious life is important to live a neutral life. Happy National Nutrition Week!
• 1.9 billion adults are overweight or obese, while 462 million are underweight. Let Nutrition Heal You!
• A good diet helps in a good fight against all the bad diseases. Happy Nutrition Week!

Important & Famous Quotes

• “Man is What He Eats” ~ Lucretius
• “He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything” ~ Thomas Carlyle
• “The doctors of the future will no longer treat the human frame with drugs, but rather will cure and prevent disease with nutrition” ~ Thomas Edison
• “Processed foods not only extend the shelf life, but they extend the waistline as well” ~ Karen Sessions
• “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live” ~ Jim Rohn
• “Looking good and feeling good go hand in hand. If you have a healthy lifestyle, your diet and nutrition are set, and you’re working out, you’re going to feel good.” ~ Jason Statham
• “A healthy lifestyle includes exercise, nutrition, healthy sleep patterns and a healthy group of friends.” ~ Sophie Gregoire Trudeau
• “The Harvard Law states: Under controlled conditions of light, temperature, humidity, and nutrition, the organism will do as it damn well pleases.” ~ Larry Wall
• “Popeye was right about spinach: dark green, leafy vegetables are the healthiest food on the planet. As whole foods go, they offer the most nutrition per calorie.” ~ Michael Greger
• “Nutrition is important, and training is important – but so are rest and recovery, massages, and acupuncture. Your body is your temple, and you’ve got to take care of it.” ~ Antonio Brown

Various programs and activities like seminars, workshops, educational events conferences and public awareness campaigns are organised all across India on the occasion of National Nutrition Week. The sole purpose of this event aware and educate people about the importance of proper nutrition and diet to lead a happy life.

Tips to help make your breakfast nutritious:

1. Start your day with whole grains like oats, quinoa, or whole wheat bread. These provide fibre, vitamins, and minerals, which help maintain energy levels and keep you full longer.
2. Incorporate sources of protein like eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or nuts. Protein helps with muscle repair, keeps you satiated, and stabilises blood sugar levels.
3. Add a serving of fruits or vegetables to your breakfast, such as berries, bananas, spinach, or tomatoes. They provide essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fibre.
4. Include sources of healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, or a spoonful of nut butter. Healthy fats support brain function and keep you feeling full.
5. Opt for natural sweeteners like honey, dates, or fruits instead of refined sugar. This reduces calorie intake and avoids sugar spikes.
6. Use low-fat milk, yogurt, or plant-based alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk to reduce saturated fat intake while still getting calcium and vitamins.
7. Add superfoods like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or matcha powder to boost your breakfast with extra nutrients and antioxidants.
8. Start your day with a glass of water or herbal tea to hydrate your body after hours of fasting. This helps improve digestion and metabolism.
9. Ensure your breakfast includes a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. This balanced approach helps maintain steady energy levels throughout the day.
10. Make nutritious smoothies with a base of leafy greens, a source of protein (like Greek yogurt or protein powder), fruits, and a healthy fat source (like chia seeds). They are quick to prepare and can pack a lot of nutrients in one meal.

By following these tips, you can create a nutritious breakfast that supports overall health and well-being.