Archive · 1 Sep 2026
National Nutrition Week Promotes A Truly Balanced Plate
National Nutrition Week teaches people how to choose healthier meals.
Eating a lot of food is not always the same as eating well.
The body needs protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables.
Too much oil, sugar and carbohydrates can leave important nutrients out of a diet.
Eating more packaged or outside food and moving less may increase health concerns such as obesity and diabetes.
A balanced plate should be half fruits and vegetables.
One-quarter should contain protein foods such as dal or paneer.
The rest should contain carbohydrates.
Reducing oil, junk food, soda and sugary foods can also support healthier eating.
National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7 to promote better nutrition and overall well-being.
Eating enough food does not guarantee adequate nutrition if the diet lacks protein, vitamins, minerals, fruits and vegetables.
The programme began as a one-day initiative, became National Nutrition Week in 1982 and expanded into a month-long campaign in 2018.
Changing eating habits, increased consumption of packaged and outside food, and reduced physical activity are linked to concerns about obesity and diabetes.
Dr Charu Dua recommends filling half a plate with fruits and vegetables, one-quarter with protein, and the remaining portion with carbohydrates.
- Who
- National Nutrition Week organizers and Dr Charu Dua, Chief Clinical Nutritionist and Head of Clinical Nutrition at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
- What
- The observance highlights the importance of balanced nutrition and recommends how to proportion different food groups on a plate.
- When
- National Nutrition Week is observed annually from September 1 to September 7; the 2026 article was updated September 1, 2026.
- Where
- The article quotes Dr Charu Dua at Amrita Hospital, Faridabad.
- Why
- To raise awareness about nutritional deficiencies, obesity, excess weight, diabetes and unhealthy eating habits.
- Observance dates
- September 1 to September 7 each year
- 2026 update
- September 1, 2026, at 08:00 IST
- Programme history
- The initiative became National Nutrition Week in 1982 and expanded into a month-long campaign in 2018.
- Fruit and vegetable share
- About half of the plate
- Protein share
- About one-quarter of the plate, including foods such as dal and paneer
- Carbohydrate share
- The remaining portion of the plate
- Recommended reductions
- Excess oil, junk food, soda and sugary foods