By Patrice Powers-Barker, OSU Extension, Lucas County
The Truth Contributors
This year’s theme for National Nutrition Month is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.” Nutrition has the power to help individuals and communities thrive. Food and beverage choices can help power your day. Learn tips for accessing healthy foods in your area. Build healthy habits into your day to help you feel great now and in the future.
During the month of March, everyone is invited to learn about making informed food choices and developing healthy eating and physical activity habits. Whether you have been eating healthy for years, (celebrate that successful habit) or keep thinking to yourself, “I should try to eat healthier”, you can start today. Personally, I love this year’s theme. Whether you have “Powers” as part of your last name or not, You Have the Power to use nutrition for your personal benefit.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics organizes the annual National Nutrition Month and shares information at eatright.org. In addition to day-to-day recommendations for all of us, they also highlight the professional work of registered dietitian nutritionists (RDN) or nutrition and dietetics technicians, registered (NDTR) who can expertly guide you with information driven by science. If you have the chance to meet with a professional to talk specifically about your food choices, they help you decide what works best for your health and lifestyle.
I learned some updates from Jennifer Little, an Extension Educator in Hancock County who is also a RDN. She highlighted some key changes and additions to the 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines for Americans.
- Prioritize Protein Foods at Every Meal. For maintaining body tissue and improving metabolism and blood sugar, meals should include lean animal (fish, poultry or red meat) or plant-based (nuts, seeds, beans/lentils) protein. Serving sizes of 2-3 ounces per meal are still considered appropriate.
- Consider Gut Health. With increased understanding of the role of gut bacteria (our microbiome) in overall health, the new Guidelines emphasize eating more “real food” (closer to its natural state) as well as consumption of some fermented foods which may help replace lost “good bacteria” in the intestinal tract.
- Incorporate Heathy Fats. Healthy fats (including those found in eggs, seafood, nuts, olives and avocado) are necessary for absorption of certain vitamins, contribute to good cholesterol, and enhance the flavor and sense of fullness foods provide.
- Limit Highly Processed Foods, Added Sugars & Refined Carbohydrates. While definitions of “highly processed foods” may vary, the emphasis is toconsume more ”real” fresh or home prepared foods (instead of ready-prepared foods, with added preservatives and flavor enhancements typically high in sodium, sweeteners and some trans fats). Whole grains, fruits and vegetables are still preferred as nutritious energy & fiber sources over refined carbohydrates, such as packaged snack foods and desserts.
We want to connect people with the best resources and education for their current needs. Please consider the following resources to Power your Health. In the community, we want everyone to stay nourished on any budget. If money is tight, please see what food benefits might be available to you and/or your loved ones. Some of the examples include SNAP, Produce Perks, WIC, Senior Commodity Boxes, Senior Farmers Market coupons, Summer and after-school meals, local food pantries, and local food meal sites.
Online: this Wednesday Webinar series is not specific to just healthy eating, but it is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. OSU Extension invites you to our March of 2026, series of four Wellness Webinars that will focus on the Power of Connections in our work and personal lives. The webinars will be offered on Wednesdays, March 4, 11, 18, 25, from noon to 12:30 p.m. (EST) over Zoom. No cost to participate, but registration is required. Register at go.osu.edu/lhlwwebinars. All registered participants will receive a recording link and access to additional educational materials after each class.
In-person classes: starting Tuesday, March 10, 2026, Wits Workout is about brain health for seniors. This is not physical exercise – it’s brain exercise. This once a month series is all about fun with peers using brainteasers and other fun activities, and learning new things along the way. It will be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. at Oregon Branch Library, 3340 Dustin Rd, Oregon, OH 43616. The dates are Tuesdays, March 10, April 14 and May 12. No cost to participate, we’d love to see you there. Questions, email powers-barker.1@osu.edu