In India, the National Nutrition Week is the time when people focus on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating. This is celebrated every year in the 1st week of September. It reminds people how the food items that they consume affect their health, overall life and energy.
With the rising health issues and changing lifestyle, proper nutrition has become essential. This blog further explains the National Nutrition Week, why it’s celebrated, how to enhance the diet and much more.
National Nutrition Week history
In India, the Nutrition Week was first started by the Ministry of Women and Child Development way back in 1982. Similar health awareness initiatives across the globe have inspired it. It mainly focuses on spreading knowledge about the significance of nutrition in day-to-day life.
Over the years, it has become a national-level programme where people from health departments, NGOs, hospitals and even schools have participated. Each year, a new nutrition week theme is introduced to concentrate on a certain issue, like the role of millets, women’s health, or malnutrition in children.
Significance of National Nutrition Week
India is a nation with extremes, while some individuals suffer from obesity because of poor eating habits, others still suffer from anaemia and malnutrition. It has been reported that 39% to 75% of children under the age of 5 are underweight. Furthermore, many adults are overweight but lack proper nutrients. The deficiency of vitamins, protein and iron is common in rural and urban areas.
The nutrition week plays a massive part in the following ways:
- Encourages individuals to include seasonal and local foods in their diet.
- Promoting healthy eating habits.
- Addressing the common food myths.
- Educating individuals about a balanced diet.
Why celebrate National Nutrition Week?
Celebrating and knowing about National Nutrition Week offers countless benefits to the families, individuals and the nation as a whole:
- Promotes a healthy lifestyle
It will encourage individuals to eat right, reduce junk food and work out. The week also builds awareness about all lifestyle conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes.
- Aids in lowering malnutrition
The week educates all the parents on feeding teenagers, toddlers and infants correctly. It also helps NGOs and the government to reach all those areas where malnutrition is still a massive issue.
- Supports economic development
Having a healthy population means much better productivity at work and fewer sick leaves. Apart from that, there will be less spending on all the hospital treatments for preventable conditions.
- Empowers children and women
The week keeps its focus on nutrition in childhood and pregnancy. It also promotes healthy weaning and breastfeeding practices.
Ways to improve nutrition & nutritional intake
The table below shows how to improve nutritional intake:
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The tips
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What can you do?
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Consume more local vegetables and fruits
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Use pumpkin, spinach, papaya, banana and guava
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Include whole grains
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Pick jowar, bajra, ragi, brown rice and atta
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Limit oil, sugar and salt
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Cook with less oil, avoid sugary drinks and salty snacks
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Add proteins regularly
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Consume nuts, dal, eggs, paneer and curd
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Drink enough water
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Aim for 8 to 10 glasses per day, particularly in summer
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Avoid skipping meals
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Eat breakfast daily and plan balanced and small meals
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Say no to junk food
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Cut down on fast food, soft drinks and fried snacks
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Cook fresh and eat fresh
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Avoid storing food for too long, and reheat it properly
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Role of health insurance in diet & nutrition
What type of role does health insurance play? Here’s what to know:
- Covers for preventive health check-ups: It can help you understand the nutrient deficiencies or health dangers early on.
- Dietitian consultations: Many insurance policies now cover diet counselling and nutritionists.
- Hospitalisation for nutritional deficiency diseases: If you’re ever hospitalised because of problems like severe anaemia, some policies offer coverage for it.
- Wellness programmes: Insurers provide rewards, discounts and fitness points for healthy habits.
Picking an individual health insurance plan that contains preventive care can lower all your long-term health expenses with no hassle.
Conclusion
In India, where food diversity is rich but awareness is still catching up, knowing about Nutrition Week is crucial, as it encourages individuals to make proper food choices. Furthermore, if you’re an older adult, parent, working adult or a student, making small changes in the diet can make a massive difference.
Also, don’t forget about opting for a health plan, as it can cover all the medical expenses in case of any nutritional deficiencies or other health issues.
FAQs
When is the National Nutrition Week celebrated?
The week is celebrated from 1st to 7th September each year in India.
What is the theme for this week in 2025?
The official theme gets announced by the Ministry of Women and Child Development closer to the date every year.
Who can take part in the Nutrition Week program?
Anyone can participate in this programme, right from individuals and health workers to NGOs, colleges and even schools.
How to start eating healthy at home?
You can begin by making small changes such as adding more vegetables and fruits, lowering the sugar and salt intake, etc.
Do the nutritionist's visits fall under the health policy?
Some policies do include preventive care or diet consultations. You should contact the insurance provider for more information.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a certified medical and/or nutrition professional for any questions. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any effects or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared