“Savor the Flavor” March is National Nutrition Month

Jefferson County Public Health and the JCPH WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Program encourage everyone to “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right” as the theme for this year’s National Nutrition Month suggests. “Savor The Flavor of Eating Right” focuses on aspects of nutrition we don’t always think about, such as culture, traditions and mindful eating practices. When, where and with whom we eat can be just as important to our food experience as what we eat. While eating on the run has become the rule and not the exception for many, the theme, “Savor the Flavor” is a reminder to take time to slow down and think about where the food came from, the person who took the time to shop for and prepare the food, as well as to appreciate the nutrients the food provides to our bodies. This March, make an effort to “Savor the Flavor” by turning off the TV, sitting down with family or friends, or just enjoying the peace and quiet of being alone and eating.

Tips for eating mindfully:

• Take a breath as you sit down at the table before you take the first bite of food; separate the activity you were just doing from what you are about to do: enjoy a meal.
• Chew your food slowly and put down your fork in between bites. This will help to not only enjoy the taste of your food, but will prevent overeating as your brain has time to receive the signal from your stomach when it is full.
• Experiment with different spices and flavors in place of salt. Not only will you reduce sodium which will help keep blood pressure in check, you may find that different herbs and spices help to bring out the true flavor of your food instead of covering it up. Spices are also a defining part of food’s culture. Click here for spicy tips! 
• Before reaching for seconds, wait a few minutes to make sure you are still hungry. If a few more bites of food will cause you to feel uncomfortable, finish your meal. You can always have a snack later when you are truly hungry.
• If you’re interested in tracking your food and calories, check out a web site or app such as My Fitness Pal.

Budget Friendly Meal Planning, Shopping and Recipes

Celebrating healthy food traditions doesn’t have to be costly. There are many resources with healthy recipes that can be made quickly and that use every day items and common ingredients. Below are links to a few sites offering healthy recipes and help with shopping.

• Learn how to make smart food choices and incorporate WIC foods into your healthy meal planning and shopping trips: 
• http://cookingmatters.org/at-the-store
• http://www.choosemyplate.gov/tips-for-every-aisle
• Recipes to feed 4 for under $10: 
• http://www.cookinglight.com/food/everyday-menus/healthy-budget-recipes/view-all
• http://cookingmatters.org/recipes
• http://www.choosemyplate.gov/sites/default/files/misc/tools/2WeekMenusAndFoodGroupContent.pdf
• Database of recipes providing total cost, cost per serving and nutrition information: 
• http://www.whatscooking.fns.usda.gov/search/solr-results

For more information on National Nutrition Month, please visit Eat Right. Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics web page.

Visit http://jeffco.us/public-health for more information on Jefferson County Public Health and the WIC Program.

The Jefferson County WIC Program is an active member of the Jefferson County Community Health Improvement Network. The Network and its coalitions are working together to increase physical activity, healthy eating and psychosocial well-being among low-income families with children ages 0-18.

A big thank you to dietitians! Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Day (RDN) is Wednesday, March 9. As the nation's food and nutrition experts, registered dietitian nutritionists are committed to improving the health of their patients and community.

And a big thank you to all those who work to encourage and support breast feeding! A special congratulations to those who are International lactation consultants. International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Day (IBCLC) was celebrated on March 3, 2016.