Editor’s Note: This week’s Nutrition Corner was written by Jennifer Furlani, Marywood University intern.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics presents to us this year, Savor the Flavor of Eating Right, its theme for the 2016 National Nutrition Month. National Nutrition Month is a way to advocate healthy food choices and the importance of nutrition while also opening the eyes of the public about the academy’s credibility of nutrition information. The academy is composed of about 70,000 members and is the world’s largest organization of food and nutrition professionals.
Good food habits can be achieved easily by brushing up on the basics. Remember to follow MyPlate as a guideline for meals, making half your plate fruits and vegetables and eat a variety by including all the food groups at each meal. Make half of your grain servings each day whole-grains. Check the food labels on packages at the grocery store to help pick out whole-grain items. Try using whole-grain pasta when cooking simple dishes such as spaghetti and meatballs. Use skim milk instead of whole milk for example when eating cereal for breakfast. Stick to water instead of sodas and juices with added sugars.
Paying attention to portion sizes is also important. Meat portions should be about 3 ounces or the size of your palm while rice, pasta, fruits and vegetables should be 1 cup or the size of your fist. When cooking with oils, use 1 teaspoon which is about equivalent to the tip of your thumb.
Try incorporating more physical activity into your day. If you are at a loss for time, add some physical activity by small changes in your daily routine by simply parking farther away from the doors at the grocery store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator at work.
Along with St. Patrick’s Day, National Nutrition Month is held every March. From what used to be just a week-long celebration in 1973 it is now the duration of a month. With nutrition as a growing health topic, National Nutrition Month is a great time for you to learn more how good nutrition can benefit you and your family. You can do so by visiting nnm.eatright.org for additional information and ways to get involved in National Nutrition Month.
Green Apple Fro-Yo
1 cup plain, low-fat Greek yogurt
1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce
Put the yogurt and applesauce in a bowl and stir well. Place bowl in freezer. After 1 hour, using a fork, stir the mixture being careful to get the more-frozen edges mixed in with the soft center.
Repeat the above step every half hour until the mixture is frozen and creamy (approximately 3 hours). Serve right away.
