By WomenHeart Scientific Advisory Council member Penny Kris-Etherton, PhD, RD, and her colleagues Jennifer Fleming, MS, RD, Melissa Hendricks, RD

"National Nutrition Week" was a presidentially-proclaimed event in 1973. It became a month long observance in 1980 due to the growing public interest in nutrition. Sponsored annually by the American Dietetic Association, National Nutrition Month has become an educational campaign focusing on the importance of making informed food decisions and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This month, we share our passion for good nutrition practices and present strategies you can implement that are in keeping with 2010's theme, "Nutrition from the Ground Up."  The theme is part of a campaign to promote the basic principles of nutrition and build nutritional health from the ground up.

1. Focus on fruits and veggies: If you look at your current diet you might realize you're not eating enough fruits or vegetables. Try adding a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether frozen, fresh or organic.
2. Look locally: From farmer's markets to community-supported agriculture, there are many options to find new, fresh foods in local areas. This is a great way to eat well while supporting your local community. To find a farmers market, family farm, or other sources of local food near you, visit www.localharvest.org.
3. Make calories count: Too often, people categorize foods as "good" or "bad" and think that only those on the 'good foods' list are okay. When making food choices, focus instead on those that are rich in vitamins and minerals. In other words, choose nutrient dense foods while still being mindful of calories. This is a good strategy for achieving a nutritionally adequate diet without exceeding your calorie needs. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren't always the healthiest options. To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
4. Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy, and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites. Expand your horizons. Buy a fish you've never eaten before or try one of the many fruit and vegetable recipes shared here each month. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your standard grocery list.
5. Trick yourself with treats: A healthful diet doesn't mean deprivation. If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. A small portion of your favorite dessert is alright once in a while -- just be sure not to overdo it. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you are making healthful changes.

For more tips on building a healthful diet "from the ground up" during National Nutrition Month and all year long, visit www.eatright.org and click on "For the Public."