Happy Registered Dietitian day to all my fellow colleagues! While the entire month of March is National Nutrition Month, today we celebrate Registered Dietitian Day.
“Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” is the theme for National
Nutrition Month 2014. National Nutrition Month is the nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.
Consumer research confirms that taste tops nutrition as the main reason
why one food is purchased over another.
While social, emotional, and health factors also play a role, the foods
people enjoy are likely the ones you eat most. This year’s key messages for NNM
focus on how to combine taste and nutrition to create healthy meals that follow
the Dietary Guidelines recommendations. A common misconception is healthy food always taste bland
and boring. The truth is flavor doesn’t have to come with extra calories and
fat.
why one food is purchased over another.
While social, emotional, and health factors also play a role, the foods
people enjoy are likely the ones you eat most. This year’s key messages for NNM
focus on how to combine taste and nutrition to create healthy meals that follow
the Dietary Guidelines recommendations. A common misconception is healthy food always taste bland
and boring. The truth is flavor doesn’t have to come with extra calories and
fat.
Here are a few ways to addflavor without breaking the calorie bank.
1.
Fresh Herbs. Add herbs, such as thyme, rosemary,
cilantro, oregano, or basil to your lean meats and vegetables to enhance the flavor.
For a more distinct flavor add the herbs near the end of cooking,
however for
blended flavor add towards the start of cooking.
Try basil in Healthier Spaghetti Pie
Fresh Herbs. Add herbs, such as thyme, rosemary,
cilantro, oregano, or basil to your lean meats and vegetables to enhance the flavor.
For a more distinct flavor add the herbs near the end of cooking,
however for
blended flavor add towards the start of cooking.
Try basil in Healthier Spaghetti Pie
2.
Fresh squeezed lemon/lime. Lemon and lime juice, rind, and zest can be used in a
variety of ways during or after meal preparation to add a sour, tart, or sweet
flavor. Add juice to
marinades, homemade salad dressing, vegetables, or your favorite lean protein.
Try fresh lime juice in Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
Fresh squeezed lemon/lime. Lemon and lime juice, rind, and zest can be used in a
variety of ways during or after meal preparation to add a sour, tart, or sweet
flavor. Add juice to
marinades, homemade salad dressing, vegetables, or your favorite lean protein.
Try fresh lime juice in Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice
3.
Flavored
vinegars. Vinegars such as balsamic, red wine, and apple cider offer
strong, bold flavor for few calories. They add excitement to salads, marinades and sauces. One-tablespoon will only set you back
15 calories.
Try balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing
Flavored
vinegars. Vinegars such as balsamic, red wine, and apple cider offer
strong, bold flavor for few calories. They add excitement to salads, marinades and sauces. One-tablespoon will only set you back
15 calories.
Try balsamic vinegar as a salad dressing
4.
Low
sodium broths. Skip the
oil and butter during mealtime preparation and try cooking with a flavor packed
low sodium broth. Try cooking with
broth for your favorite poultry such as chicken or vegetables.
Try chicken broth as a pasta base like Turkey Sausage Kale Pasta
Low
sodium broths. Skip the
oil and butter during mealtime preparation and try cooking with a flavor packed
low sodium broth. Try cooking with
broth for your favorite poultry such as chicken or vegetables.
Try chicken broth as a pasta base like Turkey Sausage Kale Pasta
5.
Greek
yogurt. Rich, creamy, and
tart – Greek yogurt is the perfect low calorie protein powerhouse to add to
sandwiches, salads, dips, desserts, or casseroles.
Try Greek yogurt in Guiltless Seven Layer Dip
Greek
yogurt. Rich, creamy, and
tart – Greek yogurt is the perfect low calorie protein powerhouse to add to
sandwiches, salads, dips, desserts, or casseroles.
Try Greek yogurt in Guiltless Seven Layer Dip
Your family’s dietitian,
Kristen Smith
It all sounds so great and yummy!! Happy RD Day!