Image Credit: microstock.in Every September, India marks National Nutrition Week (1–7 September). Until a few years ago, I didn’t even know it existed. For me, “nutrition” was just one of those words printed on cereal boxes. But over the past few years, with lifestyle diseases creeping into younger and younger age groups, it’s become impossible to ignore. This year’s theme, “Nutritious Diets for Everyone,” feels incredibly relevant. We live in a time where fast food is quicker to find than fresh vegetables, and where “eating healthy” somehow sounds expensive or complicated. But the truth? Nutrition can be simple — and it can start in our own kitchens.

I still remember the first time I took my diet seriously. It wasn’t because of a fancy health challenge; it was because I felt sluggish and tired all the time. I started by swapping my breakfast biscuits for fruit and yoghurt. One small change led to another — and in a few weeks, I noticed the difference in my mood, energy, and even my skin. That’s when it hit me: the food we eat really does shape how we feel.

National Nutrition Week is not just about government campaigns or social media hashtags. It’s about getting people talking — about food, about choices, about health. Whether it’s a school organising a healthy cooking competition, a workplace running a “no sugar week,” or families simply eating dinner together without TV or phones, it all counts.

I love seeing how communities get involved. Last year, my neighbourhood had a free health camp where dietitians gave practical tips instead of just medical jargon. My favourite? “Eat the rainbow.” It’s simple — the more colourful your plate, the more nutrients you’re probably getting.

Here’s what I’ve personally found works best:

Start small. Replace one processed snack with a fresh option every day. Stay hydrated. Water might sound boring, but it’s the best energy drink out there. Plan ahead. Sunday night meal prep saves you from mid-week junk food cravings. Don’t fear local produce. Seasonal, local fruits and grains are often healthier (and cheaper) than “superfoods” in fancy packaging. Nutrition awareness weeks like this aren’t just for India. In the US, they have National Nutrition Month in March. And globally, these campaigns have one thing in common — they remind us that food is deeply connected to culture, community, and wellbeing. So this week, I’m making a promise to myself: more mindful eating, less mindless snacking. Because food isn’t just fuel — it’s medicine, it’s comfort, and it’s a reflection of how much we value ourselves.

And maybe that’s the real point of National Nutrition Week — to stop, think, and choose better. Not perfectly. Just better.