This is the time of season to reflect upon the past and set goals for the year ahead. As I was contemplating the topic, it became apparent that there are many layers to this nutrition onion.
 
Globally, I want to see progress against the 2010 Millennium Development Goals to end poverty and hunger, improve child and maternal health, and to pursue environmental food sustainability. I was encouraged by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s efforts to mobilize people and organizations through Every Woman Every Child to save the lives of millions of children and women. However, the task can seem overwhelming and it leaves me asking, “What can I really do to change hunger for others?” In reality, we are not powerless, nor are we alone.
 
We can donate to one or some of the many multinational organizations with excellent programs, such as the World Food Programme, UNICEF or World Vision International. We can contribute to programs like Vitamin Angels, which aspires to “reach the unreachables” with vitamin A and other essential micronutrients.
 
We can volunteer, or lobby our employers to join partnerships such as Partners in Food Solutions, so we can share our expertise with owners or operators of small and medium-sized food businesses in developing countries. These programs can change someone else’s life.
 
In 2013, I resolve to give of my time, my knowledge and my riches to make the world a better place to live.
 
There are also opportunities to make a difference closer to home. The United States ranks poorly in comparison to 16 other developed nations when it comes to health and mortality, starting from birth. We can volunteer in soup kitchens or in organizations. I am privileged to volunteer my time to the Sackler Institute for Nutrition Science, the American Society for Nutrition and the Institute of Food Technologists, where I believe there are opportunities to advance nutrition and food science research and translate this research into action. As Humanitas Global Development writes, local participation is a driving force. Each of us needs to find ways we can contribute to our community to improve nutrition and health.
 
In 2013, I resolve to be an active, contributing volunteer in the nutrition community.
 
And finally, it comes to the hardest part, my own health. It is part of my job to read and write blogs about nutrition. The statistics are clear. Poor nutrition affects health, from the very beginning of life. Now let me be clear, my reproductive days are behind me. But if yours aren’t, then embrace the fact that nutrition is relevant if you wish to conceive a child in 2013. Growing children need vitamins and minerals for health. They need omega 3 fatty acids and lutein and zeaxanthin for brain and eye development. And as I age, my brain still needs me to consume these nutrients.
 
Unfortunately, many people do not eat a balanced diet. Research shows children and adults who consume fortified foods and dietary supplements are more likely to meet nutrient recommendations. As a reader of Nutraceuticals World, you most likely know the nutritional importance of bioactive components found in foods. Yet we don’t always make good food choices. And for some nutrients, like vitamin D, there are limited choices of vitamin D rich foods.
 
In 2013, I resolve to watch the number of calories I consume, to make more micronutrient-dense food choices, especially fortified foods and beverages, and to take a daily dietary supplement.
 
What will you do to improve your nutrition in 2013? 

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The ideas and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect views held by Nutraceuticals World.