Get A Taste For Nutrition

National Nutrition Month, created in 1973 and celebrated in March, promotes healthful eating by providing realistic nutrition guidance. This year the theme is Get a Taste for Nutrition. Explore the exciting world of nutrition by trying a variety of foods.

There is no such thing as "good foods" or "bad foods." It’s more a question of how much and how often you eat them.

• Be Adventurous - Variety is the “spice of life” in your food choices and is key to good nutrition and health. Choose foods based on flavor, texture and colors that are tasty and healthy.
• Treat Your Taste Buds - You decide how much and how often. Choose foods sensibly by looking at the big picture; it’s what you eat over several days, not just one meal or day that counts. So enjoy all your favorite foods, just try eating them in moderate amounts.
• Balance Food Choices With Your Lifestyle - Choosing the right balance of foods helps you get the right combination of nutrients. So balance your food choices with your physical activities to achieve and maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle.

You know you’re eating well if you can answer "yes" to each of the following statements.

1. You enjoy a variety of foods. Eating a variety of foods from each food group provides you with the nutrients you need to be healthy. The four food groups are:
• Grain products
• Fruits and Vegetables
• Milk products
• Meat and Alternatives
• Eat breads, cereals, and pasta that are enriched or whole grain.
2. You choose high fiber cereals, breads, and other grain products.
• Look for whole grain products made with wheat bran, oat bran, whole wheat, oats, rye or flax.
3. You include vegetables and fruit in your meals and snacks.
• Choose dark red, orange or green fruits and vegetables. They contain antioxidants like beta-carotene and vitamin C, and other substances that keep you healthy.

*Debra Nessel, RD, CDE