National Nutrition Month, celebrated every March and sponsored by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics since 1973, highlights the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. The 2026 campaign theme, “Discover the Power of Nutrition,” focuses on the preventive, protective, and restorative benefits of a healthy, balanced diet.
The Mississippi Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (MS-AND) is our state affiliate of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, representing food and nutrition professionals, including Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs), dedicated to improving public health in Mississippi. It acts as a professional organization for networking, education, and advocacy.
“There are over 800 Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) in the state of Mississippi,” shared LaShaundrea Bradford, President of MS-AND. “You can find an RDN working in diverse settings in Mississippi, hospitals, private practice, government/nonprofit agencies, nursing homes, and outpatient clinics. They also work in corporate wellness, college sports teams, grade schools, food industry/product development, and even in our correctional facilities.”
To become a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN), you must earn at least a master’s degree (as of 2024), complete an accredited dietetics program, finish at least 1,000–1,200 hours of supervised practice (internship), and pass the national CDR exam. Key coursework includes nutrition science, biochemistry, and medical nutrition therapy.
“Our education is what sets us apart,” explains Bradford. “Good health isn’t cookie-cutter. When you’re working with people who have chronic diseases, cancer, wounds, genetic disorders, food allergies/sensitivities, gastrointestinal complications, eating disorders, and more, you most definitely want a nutrition professional who has more education than an online nutrition certification.”
Students looking to become Registered Dietitian Nutritionists don’t have to leave Mississippi to do so. Dietetic internships in Mississippi are offered through the University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Mississippi State University (MSU), and the University of Southern Mississippi (USM), all of which offer integrated supervised practice with graduate studies. These accredited programs prepare students for the Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) exam by providing experience in clinical, community, and food service settings.
I’ve been a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for nearly 20 years, graduating from the University of Southern Mississippi Dietetic Internship with my Master’s of Science (MS) in 2007. I’ve had the great pleasure of working in many different arenas as a nutrition expert, including nonprofits, industry, sports, personal consulting, and eating disorders, and I am currently Mississippi’s only RDN board-certified in Lifestyle Medicine by the American College of Lifestyle Medicine. But what brings me the most joy is sharing no-nonsense, science-based nutrition information with the public through print, TV, and radio.
Over the last two decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand the damage misinformation can do to public perceptions and individuals’ health. Sadly, nutrition information can be hard to trust because of flawed study designs, self-reported data marketed as gospel, industry-funded self-interest information, and sensationalized media reporting as clickbait and rage bait. Additionally, nutrition experts, educated and self-proclaimed alike, often contradict each other, and social media influencers spread misinformation to sell products.
This year’s National Nutrition Month’s theme, Discover the Power of Nutrition, promotes eating nutrient-dense foods—fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—to boost immunity and prevent chronic diseases. The most effective, foundational nutrition strategies focus on consuming whole, minimally processed foods, prioritizing fiber-rich fruits and vegetables, and ensuring consistent, balanced protein intake at each meal. Key, sustainable habits include staying hydrated with water, limiting added sugars and high-sodium foods, and planning meals to avoid impulsive, unhealthy choices.
Practical Tips:
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- Plan Ahead: Prepare meals in advance to avoid unhealthy, impulsive eating.
- Read Labels: Check nutrition labels on packaged foods.
- Hydrate: Ensure adequate water intake daily.
- Eat the Rainbow: Incorporate a variety of colors in fruits and vegetables.
And while eating well isn’t rocket science, it can feel that way. That is why this month, I’m reminding you to consult with a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for personalized nutrition. You can use the Mississippi Academy of Nutrition as a resource to find an RDN near you.
