National Nutrition Month® is a nutrition education and information campaign created annually in March by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The campaign focuses attention on the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits.

The theme for 2017 is “Put Your Best Fork Forward“, which acts as a reminder that each bite counts. Making just small shifts in our food choices, can add up over time. The 2015-2020 Dietary Guidelines for Americans suggest starting with small changes in order to make healthier lasting changes you can enjoy. This year’s theme inspires us to start with small changes in our eating habits – one forkful at a time. So whether you are planning meals to prepare at home or making selections when eating out, Put Your Best Fork Forward to help find your healthy eating style.

Key Messages from the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics:

• Create an eating style that includes a variety of your favorite, healthful foods.
• Practice cooking more at home and experiment with healthier ingredients.
• How much we eat is as important as what we eat. Eat and drink the right amount for you, as MyPlate encourages us to do.
• Find activities that you enjoy and be physically active most days of the week.

 7 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits & Veggies:

1. Variety abounds when using vegetables as pizza topping. Try broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, mushroom and zucchini.
2. Wake up to fruit! Make a habit of adding fruit to your morning oatmeal, ready-to-eat cereal, yogurt or toaster waffle.
3. Stuff an omelet with vegetables. Turn any omelet into a hearty meal with broccoli, squash, carrots, peppers, tomatoes or onions with low-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
4. Fruit on the grill: Make kabobs with pineapple, peaches and banana. Grill on low heat until fruit is hot and slightly golden.
5. Stock your freezer with frozen vegetables to steam or stir-fry for a quick side dish.
6. Top a baked potato with beans and salsa or broccoli and low-fat cheese
7. Add grated, shredded or chopped vegetables such as zucchini, spinach and carrots to lasagna, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, pasta sauce and rice dishes.

Source: Information from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, National Nutrition Month Campaign.