National Nutrition Month of 2016

National Nutrition Month is finally here and this year theme is Savor the Flavor of Eating Right! The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics theme encourages everyone to take time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social experiences food can add to our lives. #NationalNutritionMonth

So how can we Savor the Flavor of Eating Right? The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics explains below:

1. How, when, why and where we eat are just as important as what we eat. Making sure to enjoy the sight, sounds, memories and interactions associated with eating are essential to developing an overall healthy eating plan.

2. Develop a mindful eating pattern that includes nutritious and flavorful foods, while also taking the time to enjoy everything that a healthful and tasty meal brings with it. That's the best way to savor the flavor of eating right!

3. It is possible to enjoy the taste and flavor of food while still maintaining a healthy diet. Take time to enjoy food traditions and find creative, healthful and nutritious ways to add flavor to food. An eating pattern based on the 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines and MyPlate recommendations can accommodate the food preferences, cultural tradition and customs of many diverse groups.

4. A registered dietitian nutritionist can provide sound, easy-to-follow personalized nutrition advice to meet your lifestyle, preferences and health-related needs.

Savor the Flavor of Eating Right today! Next week, I will discuss eight health tips for 2016!

Check out this video from Constance Brown-Riggs MEd, RDN, LD - "When it comes to choosing what to eat, nutrition is important but flavor is often the true motivator and the key to eating right"