March is National Nutrition Month®! National Nutrition Month® is an annual campaign sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics that focuses on the development of healthy habits around food and movement. This year’s theme is “Discover the Power of Nutrition” which focuses on food and nutrition that can fuel you throughout your day and activities. There is no one-way approach to building a healthy lifestyle or a healthy relationship with food. It is important to find strategies that work for you and your family while also honoring health. Unbound Recovery promotes this messaging through encouraging adequate intake throughout the day with balanced meals and snacks, highlighting the importance of variety, balance, and moderation. Other key components include enjoying foods to provide both physical and mental satisfaction and keeping a mindset that all foods are good foods.
Adequate nutrition is important to keep our bodies and brains functioning optimally and promote a strong metabolism. The energy that we consume is utilized by our organ systems (70-80%), digestive processes (10%), and activity done throughout the day (15-30%). When we have a consistent energy deficiency or malnutrition, there are physical consequences, such as slowed metabolism, abnormal heart rhythms, decreased functioning of non-crucial organ systems (i.e. reproductive systems), decreased bone density, poor growth and development, digestive issues, abnormal electrolytes, nutrient deficiencies, digestive issues, and fatigue (1).
Malnutrition can also cause mental health concerns. Did you know that 20-40% of the energy that we consume is utilized by our brain (2)? Our brain is active 24/7, regulating all the body’s systems. It takes a lot of energy to do that! Adequate nutrition promotes neurotransmitter development, specifically dopamine and serotonin, which impacts pleasure and motivation and mood and appetite, respectively (3-5). Malnutrition can exacerbate other mental health conditions, cause personality changes, mood disturbances, and the inability to concentrate.
For those who are experiencing malnutrition, including those with disordered eating patterns or eating disorders, we recommend that they see specialists trained in the treatment of eating disorders. Specialized dietitians will create individualized meal plans to help nutritionally rehabilitate individuals and decrease mental and medical complications from malnutrition. Once nutritionally rehabilitated, we will work together in transitioning individuals to intuitive eating strategies and building a healthy relationship with food.
Key Tips for Adequate and Balanced Nutrition
During March, we also celebrate National Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day! Registered Dietitian Nutritionists are food and nutrition experts who have met academic and professional criteria to earn the RDN credential. RDNs must obtain a graduate degree, complete an internship, pass a national credentialing exam, and become licensed by the state in which they work. They provide nutrition and health-related guidance to individuals and groups throughout the lifespan. Some specialize in a certain area of practice, such as gastrointestinal disorders, diabetes, or eating disorders, among others. Unbound Recovery celebrated our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) on RDN Day, Wednesday, March 11th 2026 by recognizing and appreciating our favorite dietitians!
If you would like to refer clients to us, please fax referral information to: 785-534-5014. We will contact clients and get them scheduled for services. Our providers will provide updates to you on a regular basis. We accept most major insurances and are accepting new clients. If you have any questions, please contact our office at 785-510-3008.
