Are you aware that March is known as National Nutrition Month? This annual campaign was launched in 1973 by the U.S. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as a means to educate the public on how to make informed eating choices. The initiative also focuses on the importance of creating more healthful, accessible foodways in our communities.   

This year’s theme is “Fuel for the Future,” with an emphasis on nourishing ourselves in each phase of life, while also sourcing our foods with sustainability in mind. That just so happens to be what the March issue of Natural Awakenings is all about too. So without further ado, let’s have a look at some of the delicious and nutritious morsels inside these pages!  

When you picture wholesome dietary habits, we’re willing to bet a plate of colorful fruits and vegetables crosses your mind. In our feature article, “Five Reasons to Choose a Plant-Based Lifestyle,” Certified Nutritional Consultant, Kiki Powers, shares the benefits of consuming foods from natural plant sources. There’s no shortage of taste and texture combinations to savor. Think: starchy potatoes and leafy greens, juicy berries and tangy citrus, hearty lentils and creamy hummus, fluffy whole grains and silky beans. Plant-based eating can also reduce inflammation, boost mental health outcomes and protect against chronic illness.  

We can’t talk about nutrition without discussing the impact food choices have on your organ health and function. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in seven adults will receive a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease each year. In order to lower the risk factors of this illness and maintain a vibrant quality of life, you’ll need a holistic approach to wellness—and that’s where our “Conscious Eating” article comes in. In addition to natural healthcare interventions such as functional, integrative and naturopathic medicine, an alkaline diet can protect against this condition, as well as other chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease. What is an alkaline diet, you ask? Read the article to find out!  

Of course, natural medicines, healing therapies and nutritional interventions aren’t just for humans—they can also help our furry friends maintain vibrant, healthy lives. This month’s “Natural Pet” article dives into plant remedies for the animals we love so much. When used correctly, various herbal treatments, essential oils and other nontoxic, plant-based agents can complement (or even replace) chemical substances when it comes to healing our pets. Learn how your beloved canine or feline companion can benefit from coconut oil, manuka honey, aloe vera, oregano oil, chamomile, lavender oil, ginger and other wholesome options.  

As this year’s National Nutrition Month unfolds, our team here at Natural Awakenings wishes you a March full of abundance, wellness, nourishment and vitality. We hope that you’ll discover new opportunities to invest in your own health—and the planet’s—with food that makes you feel amazing. And on that note, we’ll see you right back here in April!