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    Mar 02
    Blog: Tasty Tips to Personalize Your Plate

    March is National Nutrition Month, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is reminding us that eating healthy doesn’t mean you have to eat foods you don’t like. This year’s theme is “Personalize Your Plate,” with suggestions on how to find ways to enjoy healthful eating and make informed food choices. 

    Good nutrition doesn’t have to be time consuming, costly, or flavorless. Try these tips to get you started:

    VARIETY
    There is only one thing you must ingest every day: water. Everything else can be as wide a variety as you like within the food groups and your unique dietary restrictions. Having an allergy or health condition that limits certain foods doesn’t restrict you from a cornucopia of options from around the world. Supermarket produce sections offer so much more than apples, carrots and spinach. 

    National Nutrition MonthYou will always need your daily vegetables, fruits, fiber, and protein, but you never have to be bored at mealtime. Read nutrition labels, stay hydrated, avoid distractions while you are eating, and take the time to really enjoy your food and savor every bite.

    MEAL PLANNING
    Plan your menu for the week (including recipes that use leftovers), and stick to your grocery list. You’ll be surprised how much you’ll save on your shopping bill. Cooking at home will also help you avoid a last-minute rush through a fast-food line. Use the weekends to prep your produce, and weeknight cooking will be smooth and quick. Eating out or traveling? Look at menus online ahead of time, so you can choose something healthy and delicious before you arrive.
     
    MAKE IT TASTY
    Ever try warm curry? Hot wasabi? Smoky-sweet saffron? Tangy, lemony sumac? Skip the salt and add some spice to mealtimes. As you experiment, you’ll find the flavors to personalize meals to suit your taste buds in each of the four food groups. There are free cooking lessons online, as well as plenty of tips for trying new and interesting herbs and spices. Check out this blog for some delicious ideas to replace salt. 

    Keeping healthy ingredients on hand can be a challenge, sometimes. Eatright.org offers some great food storage tips to help reduce food waste. Practice proper food safety when cooking at home, and eat together as a family whenever possible.  
     
    VISIT AN RDN
    Want nutrition personalized not only to your taste, but to your specific healthcare needs? Ask your doctor for a referral to a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. Your RDN can recommend the foods that will help you thrive – addressing weight, skin, allergies, memory, bone health, medical concerns, and more. You are what you eat, and healthy eating is a powerful step toward a healthier you!

    Talk to your primary care provider about a referral to a dietitian to learn more about the right nutrition for you. Our registered dietitians are certified by New York State, have extensive training, and are available to work with you, one on one, to develop a customized, personalized nutritional plan. Visit our website to learn more about our Registered Dietitian Nutritionists