Fuel Your Future During National Nutrition Month

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The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics recognizes March as National Nutrition Month. Having celebrated for 50 years now, this year it’s about giving your body the proper fuel to create a healthy and sustainable future for yourself and your family! It is essential at every life stage to make informed food choices and develop consistent habits centered around well-balanced diets and moving more.

Taking simple steps to Fuel Your Future can be done starting right now!

  1. Eat with the environment in mind by purchasing in-season local foods and changing your protein to add more meatless options.

  2. Ask for a referral to a  Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) for guided assistance in making informed decisions on a more individualized basis.

  3. Make a grocery list and stick to it when planning to purchase your meals and snacks. Check the weekly sales ads to make smart budget choices.

  4. Adding variety adds nutrients to your plate. Focus on eating nutrient-dense foods from all five food groups: fruits, vegetables, grains, proteins, and dairy while also changing the flavors and forms to include cultural favorites and fresh, frozen, canned, or dried options.

  5. Fix your hunger in your home kitchen! Learn cooking basics and meal preparation skills that will give you the confidence to be creative in trying new flavors and foods.

There is a public health concern about the underconsumption of key dietary components: calcium, potassium, and dietary fiber. However, when focusing on a nutrient-dense dietary pattern, meaning you are consuming foods that are rich in beneficial nutrients, then you would be able to meet the recommended intakes. This is where adding variety has a place on your homemade plate! According to the 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 85% of calories are needed per day to meet food group recommendations in their nutrient-dense forms. The remaining 15% of calories are available for foods laden with added sugars and saturated fats, although still encouraged to limit these foods. 15% would equate to 250-350 calories for calorie patterns appropriate for the majority of Americans. Taking time to read and research the nutrition facts label is important for staying within the 15%, those sweetened beverages, condiments/dressings, and processed snacks can be the culprit for overconsumption of added sugars and saturated fats!

To add variety, you may need to kick the perception of what is typical when it comes to the food you eat! Why not add chickpeas to tacos, mushrooms to your ground beef, or greens to your pasta? This March, we challenge you to explore different recipes, be engaged with the preparation process, and set an example for your family!

Curried Cauliflower and Chickpea Tacos

Recipe from Med Instead of Meds

Serves 4-5

Serving Size: 2 tacos, ½ cup filling each

Prep Time: 15 minutes     Cook Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive or canola oil

  • 1 tablespoon curry powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1 teaspoon pepper

  • 1 large sweet potato, cut into 1/4-inch cubes

  • 1 cauliflower head, cut into florets

  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

  • 1, 16-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

  • 8 –10 corn tortillas

  • Optional toppings: lime wedges, cilantro, plain Greek yogurt, salsa, jalapeno peppers, shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F.

  2. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil, curry powder, cayenne powder, salt, and pepper.

  3. Place sweet potato, cauliflower, bell pepper, and chickpeas onto a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil mixture and toss to coat.

  4. Roast for 30 – 35 minutes, or until potatoes are fork-tender and cooked through.

  5. Serve 1/2 cup of filling in each corn tortilla. Add toppings (optional).

N.C. Cooperative Extension’s goal is to provide the residents of the community with research-based knowledge. For more information on nutrition, health, food preservation, and food safety in Lee County please contact the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, Ashley Szilvay at 919-775-5624.