National Nutrition Month – “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right”

Lori Granich, RD, Registered Dietitian, Midwest Bariatric Institute at Franciscan St. Margaret Health

National Nutrition Month is a campaign sponsored every March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. It has various themes focused on nutrition and physical activity. The goal is to help consumers make better food choices and live healthier lives. This year’s theme is “Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right”. Research has confirmed that taste is the number one reason for choosing certain foods.  Many people think that “healthy” means boring and bland, but once they start using fresh ingredients to flavor their foods, they realize they prefer the taste of more natural food.

National Nutrition Month encourages consumers to eat healthy foods that taste great. The healthy eating guidelines continue to promote plenty of fruits and vegetables, low fat dairy products and whole grains, while limiting sodium, saturated and Trans fats, refined grains and added sugars.

Add flavor to your meals (not calories!) with these tips:

• Mix one tablespoon of olive oil with fresh lemon for a zesty salad dressing. Lemon can also add flavor to your chicken or fish, especially when paired with sautéed garlic.
• Cucumbers can transform your water into a revitalizing spa-like beverage.
• Spices like cinnamon and nutmeg can add a sweet flavor to your fruit or baked goods without the added sugar.
• Fresh herbs can transform your meats, vegetables and soups. Add rosemary to chicken before baking or fresh oregano to salads.
• Flavored vinegars such as balsamic, cider and red wine can be used as marinades or salad dressings.
• Cut half the calories and fat by pairing one tablespoon of olive oil with vegetable broth to sauté vegetables or fish.
• Add pureed apples or berries to chicken or pork for a sweet sauce.

Source: Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics