Discover the power of nutrition in pediatric practice

March is National Nutrition Month, and this year’s theme from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is “Discover the Power of Nutrition.”¹

The campaign highlights the power nutrition has in helping individuals and communities thrive. For pediatric providers, this theme offers a useful opportunity to revisit how we talk about food with families during routine visits.

Nutrition comes up in nearly every appointment, whether parents are concerned about growth, picky eating, or whether their child is “getting enough.” In this article, we’ll review the key principles of the campaign and explore how pediatric providers can translate them into practical conversations with families.

A Simple Starting Point

Many nutrition conversations can begin with just a few questions. Taking a moment to get curious helps build rapport and gives you a clearer picture of a child’s daily habits.

These questions provide helpful context and can quickly guide the conversation. From there, focus on one additive shift, such as pairing carbohydrates with protein at breakfast or adding a fruit or vegetable to a meal that the child already enjoys. Small, achievable changes are more likely to stick.

Shifting the Conversation About Healthy Eating

When families hear “healthy eating,” they often think of restriction. Less sugar. Fewer carbs. No junk. But the Academy’s guidance centers on building a balanced eating pattern that includes vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean protein foods, and dairy or fortified soy options, while limiting added sugars, saturated fat, and sodium. In practice, that doesn’t need to become a food group checklist. It can become a thoughtful conversation. Instead of asking, “Are they eating a healthy diet?” try asking, “What type of fruit do you like?” or “What do you eat for lunch?” These questions shift the focus from judgment to curiosity.

Food becomes more meaningful when it connects to something families already value. Talking about energy for sports, focus in school, or feeling full between meals can resonate more than discussing nutrients alone. When nutrition is framed around how children feel, learn, and perform each day, families are often more open to small changes.

Staying Nourished on Any Budget

The Academy also emphasizes strategies for staying nourished on a limited budget, including planning around grocery sales, using frozen or canned foods, and connecting families with community resources. In pediatrics, this begins with screening.

Before advising families to “eat more fresh foods,” consider access. A brief food insecurity screen can significantly change the direction of the visit.² If access is a concern, connect families with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children; or local food pantries. Frozen vegetables, canned beans, and store-brand whole grains are not inferior options. They are often affordable, convenient, and nutrient-dense. Small adjustments can also stretch both budgets and nutrition. Replacing part of the meat in soups or casseroles with beans increases fiber while lowering cost. Planning meals around foods already in the home can reduce both waste and stress. When recommendations align with a family’s reality, they are far more likely to be implemented.

Becoming a Filter for Nutrition Misinformation

Another focus of this year’s campaign is finding nutrition advice backed by science and connecting with Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs). This message is especially relevant today. Parents are navigating a constant stream of nutrition claims on social media from detox diets, supplement recommendations, and conflicting headlines about “good” and “bad” foods. Pediatricians can serve as steady filters. When a parent asks about cutting entire food groups or starting supplements, the response can be simple: “Let’s talk about what your child is eating now and see where we can build from there.”

Most children do not need restrictive diets or expensive supplements. They need consistent meals, adequate protein, fiber, iron, and hydration. When more specialized support is warranted, such as for diabetes management, obesity treatment, food allergies, or feeding challenges, referral to an RDN can provide personalized, culturally appropriate guidance.

Daily Habits That Support Health

Nutrition is one of several habits that influence a child’s overall health. The Academy’s campaign also emphasizes physical activity and family routines as part of a healthy lifestyle. Encouraging children and teens to move their bodies for about an hour each day supports mood, metabolic health, and sleep.

Another daily routine that can have a meaningful impact on children’s health is simply eating together as a family. Shared meals are often discussed as a nutrition strategy, but their impact goes much deeper. Children who regularly eat with their families tend to have healthier eating habits, better grades, stronger vocabularies, and higher self-esteem.³ They also show lower rates of depression, substance use, and disordered eating.⁴

For many families, dinner may be one of the only times in the day when everyone slows down and talks. It becomes a space where parents model balanced eating, kids share stories from school, and families reconnect. Even something as simple as sitting down together and putting phones away can transform a routine meal into a meaningful part of a child’s daily routine.

The Opportunity in Every Visit

The prevention of chronic disease does not begin in adulthood. It begins in the pediatric office. Every well-child check, sports physical, or growth chart review creates an opportunity to talk about food in practical ways. Even brief nutrition conversations during routine visits can help families build healthier habits over time. National Nutrition Month is a reminder that these conversations matter. Food does more than provide calories. It supports growth, learning, energy, and long-term health.

References

1. National Nutrition Month. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Accessed March 1, 2026. https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month

2. Hager ER, Quigg AM, Black MM, et al. Development and validity of a 2-item screen to identify families at risk for food insecurity. Pediatrics. 2010;126(1):e26-32. doi:10.1542/peds.2009-3146

3. Hammons AJ, Fiese BH. Is frequency of shared family meals related to the nutritional health of children and adolescents? Pediatrics. 2011;127(6):e1565-e1574. doi:10.1542/peds.2010-1440

4. Skeer MR, Ballard EL. Are family meals as good for youth as we think they are? a review of the literature on family meals as they pertain to adolescent risk prevention. J Youth Adolesc. 2013;42(7):943-963. doi:10.1007/s10964-013-9963-z