Hippocrates said “Let thy food be thy medicine.” Each March, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics celebrates Nutrition Month. Nutrition Month was created to focus on reminding people to make correct food choices in addition to developing good exercising and eating habits. Throughout life, a nutritious diet supports an overall stronger mental and physical development and aging process, reduces risks of chronic disease, helps to maintain a desirable body weight and leads to overall well-being and health.

NewsWise published an article which addressed nutritional needs in different stages of life:

• Teens to 20s — Build bone density by eating and drinking calcium-rich foods and beverages such as fat-free or low-fat dairy milk or yogurt or calcium-fortified soy beverages. Non-dairy sources of calcium include fortified cereals, beans, some leafy greens and canned salmon with bones.
• 30s to 40s — Eating a variety of nutritious foods, especially plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains and beans, peas and lentils for vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and dietary fiber.
• 40s to 50s — Fine tune your healthful eating habits and continue to incorporate regular physical activity as your body changes due to fluctuating hormones and slowing metabolism. Also, continue to focus on ways to limit foods and beverages with added sugars, salt and saturated fat.
• 60s and beyond — Continue to include a variety of protein-rich foods to maintain bone strength and incorporate strength-building activities to maintain muscle. Good sources of protein include seafood, lean cuts of meat, eggs, beans, tofu and nuts. Animal-based protein foods also provide vitamin B12, which is a concern for some older adults.