Did you know it is National Nutrition month?
You may ask, what is National Nutrition Month? Here is a brief synopsis from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics,“National Nutrition Month® was initiated in 1973 as National Nutrition Week, and it became a month-long observance in 1980 in response to growing interest in nutrition. The second Wednesday of March is Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day, an annual celebration of the dedication of RDNs as the leading advocates for advancing the nutritional status of Americans and people around the world. This year’s observance will be March 10.” Every year the Academy releases ways to keep your nutritional journey fresh and new. You can visit their site here to use their resources to the fullest advantage. However we have summarized this years’ goals below.
This years’ theme: Personalize your plate
Personalizing your plate consists of taking advantage of your cultural background and using it to create a custom and Nutritious meal for yourself. We are all so unique in our own right, it is only fitting we treat our food with the same originality. If you’re in need of fresh ideas visit here for global foods on a healthy plate example. If you don’t have any long-standing family traditions, don’t worry! Simply choose some of your favorite meals but reimagine them with a few guidelines. You can still have those high calorie dishes or rich cheeses but in a moderation suitable for your diet. For example, if you are a pasta connoisseur, consider lowering the pasta portion of your meal and adding in a roasted vegetable. If you are a lover of red meat, make the red meat an appropriate portion of protein, instead of the bulk of your meal. If you continually try to make these minute changes, one day they will become a habit.
Reimagine Traditional Dishes
Once you have selected your favorite dishes use these provided guidelines to enjoy your favorite food in a healthy light: “Fill half your plate with fruits and vegetables and the remaining quarters of your plate with whole grains and protein foods, such as lean meat, skinless poultry, seafood or beans. With each meal, eat calcium-rich foods and drinks such as fat-free or low-fat milk, yogurt, cheese or a calcium-fortified soy beverage.
Now apply these principles to your life
Take one of your favorite meals and reimagine it! Don’t think of this as taking away from your food experience but enriching it. You will feel better about eating your favorite meals and your body will thank you for it as well. This is your challenge for this month. Make a plate and tell us how you changed it for the better. Lastly tag us at @ourmustardseednutrition and use the hashtag #NationalNutritionMonth
