March is National Nutrition Month.

Taylor County officials are pointing out the importance of picking healthier foods, even when it seems almost impossible or unbearable to do.

Taylor County resident John Lynn grows his own peach trees. He takes to heart this year's theme for National Nutrition Month, "Nutrition From the Ground Up."

Lynn said, "We grew up on a farm, a little farm my dad had and we always grew our stuff out of our own vegetable garden and I think that makes a lot of difference. It's good for you."

Throughout the month of March, the Taylor County Health Department is urging residents to take heed of the national nutrition education campaign that focuses on developing sound eating habits.

Eating healthy can be hard for kids and teenagers.

When 15-year-old Matthew Janinda was asked what snack would he pick if he had a choice, he said, "Pizza. That stuff's the best."

His 14-year-old sister, Allie Janinda, said, "They make me eat my broccoli and cauliflower. When I was little they told me that it would give me muscles."

The American Dietetic Association says in order to get youngsters to eat fruits and vegetables, parents should: Involve their children in grocery shopping to choose healthy foods; make preparing the fruits and veggies fun and interactive; and say the most important thing is to offer children as many new foods as possible, as early in life as possible.

Taylor County resident Retta Williams says she's getting a head start with her 10-month-old grandson. She said, "They'll turn their nose up. We try to make things--even though he's young now--where he'll like the broccoli; peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, so he'll eat the good, nutritious, healthy food."

The association says parents should offer healthy foods and eat them themselves, rather than lecture your children about it, put a smile on your face and your kids will follow.

The American Dietetic Association says it doesn't matter what form they take--fresh, canned or frozen--they say "fruits and vegetables are good-for-you foods."

It does, however, caution you to pay attention to labels when it comes to the juices, fat, and sodium in some packages.

For more information on nutrition and tips for your family, visit http://www.eatright.org/Public/.