"Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right" is the theme for National Nutrition Month® 2014 in March.
Flavoring plant-based foods
- Cilantro - combine with pasta, salads, or salsa
- Dill - add to carrots, potatoes, or other vegetables
- Lemon - squeeze into your water or create a vinaigrette salad dressing
- Oregano: - delicious with vegetables or pasta
- Mint - flavor water, add to fruit or salads
- Rosemary - add to potatoes or mix with vegetables
- Turmeric - add to tofu
- Basil - Mix with pasta, tomatoes or add to sandwiches
- Cinnamon - sprinkle on your oatmeal, rice pudding, baked goods, teas
Helpful tips for increasing your water consumption
- Create your own fruit-infusion - being primarily water cuts the calories and preservations compared to commercialized juices and sodas
- Mash berries at the bottom of the glass and top with water
- Blend mixtures of herbs to improve the flavor
- Rosemary, lemon and/or mint combine well with watermelon or cucumber
Choose foods that fit your taste preferences. If your goal is to reduce salt or sugar to make healthier choices, allow your taste buds time to adjust. Also, your choices may vary throughout your lifetime and can be altered during medical treatment such as medications and chemotherapy.
Visit the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics website for more information and finding a Registered Dietitian for near you. http://www.eatright.org/