Celebrating National Nutrition Month® — With A Sports RD
Healthy with Hollin LLC
By Hollin Paige Thompson, MS, RD, LD — Founder, Healthy with Hollin LLC
Every March, people across the United States are invited to join in a meaningful, month‑long celebration of healthy eating and positive lifestyle habits called National Nutrition Month®. Established in 1973 by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, this annual campaign encourages everyone at ALL ages to learn how to make informed food choices and build nourishing habits that support long‑term wellness.
📌 Power Your Day, Power Your Game
For 2026, the theme “Discover the Power of Nutrition” highlights the ways food fuels our lives. For athletes, nutrition isn’t just about eating — it’s about fueling your performance. It’s about powering your day, supporting your body, strengthening your immune system, and building the kind of energy you need to thrive now in your sports and into the future. The campaign invites you to explore how food and beverage choices can boost vitality and how access to healthy food options plays a role in community wellbeing. National Nutrition Month® focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits for everyone. This is especially important for athletes because what you eat directly affects how you perform, recover, and reach your goals. (eatright.org)
What You Can Focus On Each Week
The official National Nutrition Month® campaign breaks the month of March into four focused weekly themes to help you take practical steps toward better health:
Week 1: Power Your Day with Nutrition
Start by choosing nutrient‑rich foods from all the food groups — fruits, vegetables, grains, lean proteins, and dairy or alternatives. Varying your choices ensures a wide range of vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients. Avoid restrictive fad diets and instead focus on balanced eating that fits your life. ALL macronutrients and micronutrients serve a purpose in your body and health.
Sports nutrition twist: Athletes, this means fueling your performance. Plan meals and snacks around your training. Nutrient timing matters.
Week 2: Find Advice Backed by Science
There’s a lot of nutrition information out there — but not all of it is accurate. National Nutrition Month® urges you to seek out reliable, science‑based guidance. A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) can offer personalized advice tailored to your goals and health needs.
Sports nutrition twist: Athletes are often targeted by diet trends promising quick gains. National Nutrition Month® reminds you to rely on science-backed advice from Registered Dietitians. Personalized guidance ensures your nutrition supports performance goals safely and effectively.
Week 3: Stay Nourished on Any Budget
Eating healthfully doesn’t have to be expensive. Learn cooking and meal‑planning skills that work within your budget. You can also explore community resources like SNAP, WIC, and local food banks to help stretch your food dollar while maintaining nutritious choices.
Sports nutrition twist: Busy athletes often struggle to balance training, school, or work. It is also very common for many collegiate athletes to be limited in terms of cooking depending on factors such as living on campus vs. off campus meaning they depend on their meal plan a lot of times rather than cooking and meal prepping. Working with an RD means making the most out of resources that are available to you regarding your performance nutrition. Smart snacking on a budget throughout the day and understanding nutrient timing can keep energy levels high even during hectic schedules.
Week 4: Feel Good with Healthy Habits
Good nutrition goes hand‑in‑hand with other healthy habits. Practice home food safety, plan ahead to reduce stress at mealtime, and find ways to include physical activity in your daily routine. It’s not just what you eat — it’s how you live.
Sports nutrition twist: Long-term performance is built on consistent habits. Focus on recovery strategies like sleep, proper fueling before and after workouts, and listening to your body’s cues. Nutrition isn’t a one-time fix — it’s a lifestyle that supports your sport and overall health.
Why National Nutrition Month® Matters
National Nutrition Month® is more than a reminder to eat your veggies. It’s a chance to:
Reboot your relationship with food by focusing on nourishing choices
Build confidence around nutrition science instead of diet trends
Support your community by learning about food access and policy
Celebrate food professionals, like Registered Dietitians who help guide people with evidence‑based advice
National Nutrition Month® is the perfect opportunity for athletes of all levels to assess their fueling strategies and discover the power of nutrition to support both performance and daily life. Small changes — like adding more fruits and vegetables, timing meals around training, or consulting a sports RD for a personalized fueling plan — can translate to big gains on the field, court, or track.
