National Nutrition Month 2022
- Category: Nutrition
- Posted On:
- Written By: Reema Kanda, RDN
March is National Nutrition Month® (NNM) and it is an annual nutrition education campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign invites the community to focus on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits. This year’s theme is to Celebrate a World of Flavors and supports the philosophy that a healthy eating routine will not look the same for everyone, and that’s OKAY! It embraces global cultures, traditions, cuisines, inclusivity, and appreciation for diversity. You can continue the celebration for many years to come by welcoming various cuisines a place at the table so it can nourish your body in a tasty way.
Come join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) community in celebrating different flavors of the world. The below recommendations can help kick off or continue your healthful lifestyle.
Vary your first meal of the day to include favorites from around the world.
These are a few examples to include various cuisines to your breakfast.
- Tropical smoothie with low-fat yogurt or buttermilk, like papaya or mango smoothie.
- Spanish omelet filled with potatoes and other vegetables with a sprinkle of cheese.
- Scottish oatmeal or bulgur with low or nonfat milk or fortified soymilk with toppings of fruits and nuts or nut butter.
- Chinese rice porridge that can be served plain or with vegetables and protein foods like fish, chicken, peanuts, or egg.
- One of my favorites is a Middle Eastern dish called Za’atar. Made so many ways however I prefer to spread a little olive oil on whole-wheat pita bread and top with a spice mix called za’atar, and add tomato slices, olives, cucumber, and fresh mint. Very refreshing!
Choose healthful recipes to make during the week based on what other cultures eat to nourish the body.
These are a few examples to include various cuisines to your lunch and dinner.
- Spring Rolls, a Vietnamese dish served cold with a dipping sauce and includes fresh vegetables and protein, such as tofu that is stuffed inside a thin sheet of rice paper.
- Sambar, a spicy lentil and vegetable stew originated from India.
- Da pan ji, a Chinese stew made with chicken, potatoes, ginger, and garlic.
- Mahshi, a Middle Eastern dish made of zucchini stuffed with cooked rice, lamb and spices served in a tomato-based sauce.
- Remember, healthful eating options span the globe. You can modify traditional recipes based on personal food preferences and different budgets.
Choose healthier snacks that include foods from different food groups.
These are a few examples to include various cuisines to your snacks.
- Raw veggies with hummus or tzatziki, which is a creamy yogurt-based dressing made with cucumbers, garlic, and dill.
- Baba ganouj, a mixture made of roasted eggplant and tahini, which is a sesame seed paste, served with whole wheat pita bread.
- Guacamole or salsa made with veggies or fruit that is served with whole grain tortilla chips.
- Fruit chutney or spread consumed with bread or cheese.
Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
- RDNs want to help you thrive through the transformative power of food and nutrition. They can help clients fine tune traditional recipes, provide alternative cooking methods, and other healthful advice for incorporating family-favorite foods into everyday meals.
- I encourage you to continue celebrating this year’s National Nutrition Month® theme, Celebrate a World of Flavors, by keeping it simple and trying new flavors and cuisines. Eating right doesn’t have to be complicated.
