Celebrate National Nutrition Month with Flavors from Across the World

March is here, and that means it’s time to celebrate National Nutrition Month! National Nutrition Month is an annual campaign that was started by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to raise awareness around the importance of making healthy eating choices and incorporating physical activity. The hope is to help people make informed decisions around food.

Each year the Academy selects a new theme and this year’s theme is Celebrate a World of Flavors. This year’s theme is dedicated to celebrating flavors from all over the world. Being able to enjoy unique foods and various flavors from different cultures is what makes each meal so great!

4 Ways to Celebrate National Nutrition Month

Now is the perfect time to look at some of your eating habits and find ways you can make small changes. Check out some of the ways to incorporate some new healthy habits.

Incorporate Variety – Trying new foods and ingredients is a great way to add some variety to your meals. Be sure to include foods from all food groups, always read the nutrition label, and incorporate new flavors from around the world.

Speak with a Registered Dietitian – Speaking with a Registered Dietitian (RD), like myself, can help you incorporate healthy habits and meet your nutritional goals.

Plan Ahead – Plan your weekly meals and choose healthy recipes that you look forward to cooking and eating. When you are out of the house and on the go, be sure to be mindful of your eating habits. Pack a bag and bring healthful foods from home to ensure you are incorporating foods from all the food groups.

Create Delicious Meals at Home – Give your cooking skills a boost by trying out new recipes. There are over 150 recipes in my book Enjoying Food Peace that I know you’ll love. You can even try signing up for a local cooking class or an online cooking class that you can do from your home.

Flavors from Different Nations

Trying out new foods from different countries is a great way to not only incorporate new flavors but also incorporate new ingredients! This month is a great time to try out some new international flavors.

Japanese Cuisine – Japanese cuisine can be a great cuisine to try out due to the many healthy vitamins and minerals found in popular ingredients. Fish, a major part of the Japanese diet, contains heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Some other common foods include green leafy vegetables and rice.

Mediterranean Cuisine – Known for being a very healthy cuisine, Mediterranean foods incorporate many anti-inflammatory and heart-healthy foods. Traditional foods include tomatoes, beans, fish, healthy fats, and leafy greens.

Mexican Cuisine – Rich in beans and legumes, Mexican cuisine can be a rich source of fiber, protein, and iron! Other common and healthful ingredients include tomatoes, corn, avocados, and chili peppers.

Indian Cuisine – Indian cuisine is known for its spice and flavor. Common ingredients in Indian cuisine include cinnamon and turmeric, which have been linked to decreased inflammation. Some popular dishes to expand your flavor palate include chana masala and tandoori chicken.

This month is a great time to get creative and challenge yourself to try out some new foods and recipes. Celebrate National Nutrition Month all month long and don’t forget to spread the word!

Your Turn to Action – Which cuisine are you going to give a try? Let me know in the comment section below!