Celebrate National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month is a campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to spread positive messages about healthy eating and bring attention to the importance of making informed food choices. The theme for 2016 is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right.” This year’s theme encourages everyone to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures and flavors of food. This month, take the time to enjoy your food and work towards a mindful eating mindset!

Eat Mindfully: When was the last time you sat down for a meal and did nothing else except eat? We often multi-task during meals. Whether we are surfing the internet, watching TV or working towards that deadline, our food is merely an afterthought. National Nutrition Month encourages everyone to slow down, sit at the table and focus on your food. Turing off the TV and tuning into your meal allows you to savor the flavor!

Choose New Foods: This year’s theme is all about enjoying food, and what better way to do that than by experimenting with new foods? Think about all the different types of foods you eat every day. Are you relying on the same foods over and over? Try adding one new food into the rotation each week. Trying new foods will keep you from getting bored and will also add a burst of new flavor to your meals. 

Spice Up Your Cooking: Experiment with combinations of herbs and spices to tantalize your taste buds. Keep an assortment of dried herbs and spices on hand for cooking such as oregano, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, thyme and rosemary. Herbs and spices can transform the flavors of a dish. Not sure where to start? Try these salt-free seasoning blends. Combine ingredients and store in a tightly covered jar.

• Mixed herb blend: Mix together ¼ cup dried parsley flakes, 2 tablespoons dried tarragon and 1 tablespoon each of dried oregano, dill weed and celery flakes.
• Italian blend: Mix together 2 tablespoons each of dried basil and dried marjoram, 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder and dried oregano, and 2 teaspoons each of thyme, crushed dried rosemary and crushed red pepper.
• Mexican blend: Mix together ¼ cup chili powder, 1 tablespoon each of ground cumin and onion powder, 1 teaspoon each of dried oregano, garlic powder and ground red pepper, and ½ teaspoon cinnamon.

Bottom Line: Celebrate National Nutrition Month by celebrating the wonderful flavors of food! Remember, food is meant to be enjoyed. Savor the flavor by practicing mindful eating, choosing new foods, and experimenting with herbs and spices.

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