By: Deborah Moss, RD, CDN
“Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right” is this year’s theme for National Nutrition Month® 2014!
While there are several factors that play a role in our health and eating habits, consumer research reveals that how our food tastes wins over nutrition about why one food is chosen over another. There seems to be a common thread in society that if a food tastes good, it must not be good for you, and that healthful food tastes bad.
So how do you combine taste and nutrition to create healthy meals? Try some of these simple tips for enhancing the flavor of your healthy favorite foods:
- Avoid overcooking your food, which will lead to a reduction in flavor and nutrients.
- Try roasting or grilling vegetables. Before cooking, brush lightly with vegetable oil and your favorite herbs and spices.
- Experiment with different whole grains such as brown rice, quinoa or pasta. Cook quinoa or rice with a low sodium chicken broth in place of water for added flavor. Add in fresh spinach and fresh, chopped tomatoes to the cooked grain for an extra boost of flavor.
- Toss your favorite beans in a salad or grain dish. Beans are a great source of protein, low in calories and fat, and high in fiber. Look for low sodium varieties, or remove some of the sodium from canned beans by rinsing beans with water before eating.
- Try a low-fat Greek yogurt in place of your usual yogurt. It is a creamier yogurt with a higher amount of protein per serving. Pair it with some fresh fruit and crush a ½ cup of a whole grain cereal as a topping.
- Dress you salads with extra virgin olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
The average adult has approximately 10,000 taste buds so be adventurous and get creative with your foods and flavors and “enjoy the taste of eating right.”
For more information, visit The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at www.eatright.org.
Deborah Moss is a registered dietitian and certified dietetic nutritionist. She is the owner of Natural Nutrition and Wellness, a private nutrition counseling practice that specializes in women’s health and wellness, specifically focusing on weight management and the integration of nutrition for disease prevention and management. Deborah graduated from Queens College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Nutrition. She completed a dietetic internship program through LIU, CW Post. She has presented nutrition and wellness classes associated with diabetes, heart disease and weight management to numerous clients through corporate wellness programs. Deborah’s goal in counseling is in helping others achieve a healthier and more balanced life.
For any diet and nutrition questions, contact Deborah at nnwellness.com!
