Nutrition Month at USask: Nourish to Flourish
The Dietitians of Canada Nutrition Month campaign is held each March to promote the importance of healthy eating and the role of dietitians in improving the health and well-being of Canadians.
By Kristen VandenameeleThe theme for 2025 is “Nourish to Flourish” to highlight the connections between food and overall well-being. Eating nutritious foods is good for your physical health, but eating foods that you enjoy, eating with others, and cooking at home more often, can also be good for your emotional, mental, and sociocultural health. It is important to remember that by nurturing all aspects of our health, we can lead more fulfilling lives.
So how do food habits impact these aspects of health? Eating a variety of foods in the amounts that our bodies need helps provide energy, vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, amino acids, and antioxidants that our bodies use for growth, disease prevention and management, and keep our immune systems strong. Eating a variety of nutritious foods and eating at regular times throughout the day can also help improve brain function and help manage stress and anxiety. Eating can be enjoyable and relaxing, but some people may experience a complicated relationship with food.
When we understand our emotional connection with food, we can make food choices that support our emotional well-being. For many people, food is a cornerstone of culture, religion, and family. Preparing and eating foods that align with our values and traditions connects us to our communities and strengthens our sense of belonging. To improve overall health and well-being, we need to consider all these aspects of health – and it can be a big job.
So, who can help? Dietitians are regulated health professionals and experts in nutrition. With up-to-date science and a commitment to helping individuals understand the unique connections between food and physical, mental, emotional, and sociocultural health – a dietitian is ready to support you.
To find a dietitian on campus, go to the University of Saskatchewan (USask) Student Wellness Centre: https://students.usask.ca/health/centres/wellness-centre.php
To find a dietitian in your community, go to Dietitians of Canada: Find a Dietitian. www.dietitians.ca
For more information about Nutrition Month 2025, go to www.dietitians.ca/Advocacy/Nutrition-Month-2025
(Kristen Vandenameele is a registered dietitian, a University of Saskatchewan alumna, and nutrition professional practice co-ordinator in the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition)
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