Savor the Flavor: Taking time to enjoy food during National Nutrition Month

With the promise of warmer days just around the corner, March is a month filled with the possibility of multiple outdoor activities. Whether that means weekly soccer game in the sun, or nightly walks taking advantage of the longer days, March is an ideal month to think about incorporating healthy lifestyle changes into your everyday routine. This March, I also invite you to participate in National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. By focusing on nutrition education and information, the Academy empowers individuals to make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. This year, the theme is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, “which encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives”. It is so easy to find yourself in a food rut and preparing the same go-to dishes often. During January and February, I found myself cooking stir fry at least three times a week. Was this a particularly unhealthy dish? No, not at all. But was I really enjoying eating the same thing multiple weeks in a row? Not one bit! We can all agree that making healthy choices when it comes to food consumption is essential. I’m sure many are aware of the importance of consuming adequate amounts of produce and whole grains. However, it is equally as important to think about how, when, why and where we eat. Placing a priority on your health while ensuring you are enjoying your food choices will create a mindful pattern of eating, and in turn, a more sustainable lifestyle. This March, try incorporating this mindfulness into your daily routine, and notice if you feel any changes throughout the month. Need some help getting started? Check out some easy tips below! ● Eat with others! Try eating meals without being connected to a phone, computer, television, or other distractions. Spending meaningful time with family and friends around meals has been proven beneficial both nutritionally and psychologically. ● Grow your own garden. Whether it be some herbs in the windowsill, or a full vegetable garden, this is truly a gift that keeps on giving. The benefits can be enjoyed all summer long, and will most likely taste better than their store-bought counterparts. ● Don’t be afraid to try new recipes. There are so many resources available to help you in this endeavor. Pinterest, cookbooks, various blogs and suggestions from friends and family are all great places to start. Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank also has a wonderful resource called Recipe Rainbow. Simply type in the ingredients you have on hand, and it will generate recipes using those items. https://www.pittsburghfoodbank.org/resources/recipe-rainbow/ ● Snack between meals, not while watching Netflix. Make sure that when you are snacking it is because you are hungry, not because that bag of chips would go really great with that series you are binge-watching. Eating healthy snacks between meals will keep you full throughout the day, and therefore less likely to overeat. ● Just say no to fad diets. While you may see results quicker, fad diets aren’t sustainable in the long run. Learn more about eating intuitively here: https://www.intuitiveeating.com/content/10-principles-intuitive-eating To learn more about National Nutrition Month, check out the great resources provided by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Check back often, there will be updates all month long! http://www.eatright.org/resources/national-nutrition-month Sources http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/resources/national-nutrition-month...