Originating in March 1973 the shorter event, "National Nutrition Week" became extended to a month-long observance in 1980 to support a growing public interest in nutrition. Past themes haven't meant as much to me as the one this year. Whether it's "100% Fad Free" (2007), Eat Right! (2009), or "Get Your Plate in Shape" (2012), National Nutrition Month (NNM) is designed to educate the public on healthy eating.
Unfortunately, to many people, healthy eating means boring, tasteless, or deprivation. I see this subjectively with my patients all the time as they gawk at giving up their fatty, fried or sugary foods in favor of fresh, whole options. Objectively, research shows the same. A 2013 study about external factors influencing taste found that "the perception of taste and flavor can be greatly biased by extrinsic cues, or the information about a food that comes from outside of the food itself, such as package designs, brands, prices.." In other words, if I tell you a food is healthy, you might associate that with yucky....
In honor of NNM and this profession I love so much, I'm making a list of my top 10 favorite healthy foods. See one of my favorite handouts from the Academy attached below on ways to incorporate more fruits and vegetables every day as you Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right!
Ginger's Top 10 Favorite Foods
1. Cruciferous veggies (cauliflower! broccoli! cabbage!)
2. Berries of all types
3. Spices: cumin, red pepper flakes, black pepper, curry powder
4. Fish
5. Jalapenos
6. Kale and spinach
7. Black and pinto beans
8. Peaches and plums
9. Tomatoes
10. Tofu
Mmmmm, fruit on the grill sounds amazing! Love this list for different ways to enjoy fruits/veggies.
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