National Nutrition Week (1st September to 7th September)

National Nutrition Week (NNW) is observed in the first week of September (1st September to 7th September) in India. The day was launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development’s Food and Nutrition Board in 1982 to raise awareness on the importance of nutrition for human body. The need for spreading awareness of nutrition arose because a large population of India especially children and women don’t get food supply due to poverty, illiteracy and lack of awareness.

The objective is to intensify awareness generation on the importance of nutrition for health which has an impact on development, productivity, economic growth and ultimately national development. The week is set to provide adoptable training, timely education, seminars, different competitions, road shows and many other campaigns among people of the community and to make a healthy Nation. Improving the nutritional status of the population is imperative for National Development.

The theme of the National Nutrition Week, 2024 is “Nutritious Diets for Everyone“. The government of India has accorded high priority to the issue of nutrition, especially among Pregnant Women & Lactating Mothers. One should have proper nutrients in his/her diet that includes proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals which is necessary for growth, body function and tissue repair. Infants should be given breast milk because it contains adequate amount of proteins, fats, calories, lactose, vitamins, iron, mineral and enzymes which helps to build immunity in infants.

Nutrition is very important for the human body as it helps to carry out our work properly. There are many people today in India who are malnourished and require a proper diet for their body growth. Malnutrition is a multi-faceted problem. The important determinants are inadequate food, level of poverty leading to low purchasing power, poor socio-economic status of women, female illiteracy, high rate of population growth and low access of the population to health education, safe drinking water, environmental, sanitation, hygiene, and other social services.

According to WHO, “Nutrition is the intake of food, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs”. Nutrition is an issue of survival, health and development for current and succeeding generations. A well-balanced diet, with a combination of all the essential nutrients, plays a pivotal role in the growth and development of our mind and body.

History of National Nutrition Week

The National Nutrition Week is a central government initiative started in 1982 to promote awareness and good health through nutrition education. The need for establishing a day for awareness of nutrition arose because a large population of India, especially children and women do not get basic food supply due to poverty, corruption, illiteracy, lack of awareness and various other contributing causes. Reducing the level of malnutrition and micronutrient deficiency thus became a major concern whose responsibility came on the shoulder of various organizations especially created for the aforesaid.

To counter this serious problem various governmental agencies and non-governmental organizations observe this week through various activities and programs. Every year Indian National Nutrition Week has a theme which, particularly highlight malnutrition related issues.

The theme of the National Nutrition Week for 2013 was “Food Security for Healthy Life”. This is all the more pertinent as government has brought in National Food Security ordinance (NFSO) and National Food Security Bill (NFSB) is under consideration of the Parliament which is likely to be passed during the session. Food Security is an important facet and pre-requisite for Nutrition Security.

Suggested Read: Unhealthy Foods For Children

Objectives of the National Nutritional Week

> To review the frequency of problems to various diet and nutrition in the communities.

> To evaluate the appropriate techniques to prevent and control the nutritional problems through deep research.

> To monitor the condition of the country for the diet and nutrition.

> To perform the operational research in order to plan and implement the national nutrition programs.

> To aware people through the orientation training about health and nutrition.

Healthy Diet

Healthy diet keeps us healthy, maintains our immunity, increases life span, increases focus etc.

Some of the essential nutrition that is needed in one’s daily life to lead a life free of any disease and health issues are;

. Calcium
. Fiber
. Iron
. Vitamin C
. Vitamin D
. Protein

It is difficult to design a perfect healthy diet as lot of Indians are vegeterian and climate variation and avaliablity also forms a factor for forming a perfect healthy diet.

10 Common food that Indians must consume in their diet are.

. Curd
. Pulses and Beans
. Leafy Vegetables
. Eggs
. Rice and Flour
. Paneer
. Spices (Turmeric, cardamom, garam masala, ajwain, chillies)
. Garlic
. Fresh Fruits
. Dry Fruits

Apart from all this Fitness and Nutrition goes hand in hand, because of both nutrition and exercise compliments each other and a balance of these 2 things in your life can always do wonders. People who exercise good and eat well are a perfect example of it. Because in today’s world full of stress, depression, anxiety, the only way out is you keep your body and mind in a healthy state.

Gyming, Yoga, Jogging, Running, Swimming are a few exercises one can implement in their life to make then a healthier and fitter version of themselves and also create a healthy nation.

Eat fresh food, eat raw fruits and vegetables whenever possible. Avoid snacks and fast food.