Eat Right: It’s National Nutrition Month®!
Medically Reviewed by Laura Urias, MCN, RD, CSO, LD, Registered Dietitian
March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM), a yearly celebration created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to highlight the importance of good nutrition for everyone. For enteral feeding consumers and caregivers, nutrition is more than a theme—it’s part of everyday life. Whether nourishment comes through a feeding tube, blended meals, or a combination of oral intake and formula, you’re already connected to the role nutrition plays in health, comfort, and overall well-being.
This year’s theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” invites each of us to recognize the choices we can make—not just the ones we can’t. Even if eating or drinking by mouth isn’t part of your routine, you still make daily decisions that support good health: selecting formulas, preparing blends, organizing feeding schedules, staying hydrated, and working with your care team to meet your body’s needs. These choices reflect the same commitment to nutrition that NNM celebrates.
Tips for Those Who Can Eat or Drink by Mouth
If you’re able to take some food or fluids orally, this month can be a great time to explore ways to make those moments more nourishing and enjoyable. Try adding nutrient-rich ingredients to the foods you already enjoy, or experiment with soft or easy-to-tolerate foods if you are struggling with textures. If you prepare blended meals for tube feeding, consider refreshing your recipes with seasonal produce or consulting with a dietitian to ensure your blends stay balanced and safe. Even small changes—like adding a new fruit, choosing a whole grain when possible, or adjusting textures to improve comfort—can strengthen your overall nutrition.
Tips for Those Who Rely on Formula
For individuals who receive most or all of their nutrition through formula, “power” looks a little different, but is just as meaningful. If you prepare blended meals for tube feeding, consider refreshing your recipes with seasonal produce or consulting with a dietitian to ensure your blends stay balanced and safe. National Nutrition Month® is a good reminder to check in on how your formula is making you feel, and if your feeding schedule is working for you. If you’ve noticed any changes in your energy, digestion, or comfort during feeds, this could be a good time to revisit your formula plan with your healthcare provider.
National Nutrition Month® is truly for everyone, including the tube-feeding community. No matter how you nourish your body, you have the power to support your health through informed, thoughtful choices. This month, we celebrate that power and the many ways you care for yourself or someone you love.
