Focus On Healthy and Nourishing Food Choices During National Nutrition Month

National Nutrition Month is here again! The American Dietetic Association sponsors this campaign each March to focus attention on the importance of healthy eating and informed food and activity decisions. This year’s theme is “Nutrition from the Ground Up”.

For the past several decades, the food industry has changed the focus of food from health and nourishment to fast and convenient. “Nutrition from the Ground Up” is a reminder to bring the focus back to nourishing the health of your body. There are many ways to start changing your focus. Here are a few basic tips to get you started.

1. Fill your diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and legumes.
2. Focus on variety and do not get stuck in a rut.
3. Balance physical activity with healthful eating habits.

Beans are bursting with antioxidants that prevent cell damage. Make a batch of this chili and freeze the leftovers.

White Chili (8 servings)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 medium onions, peeled and chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 3 15 1⁄2-ounce cans great northern beans, drained and rinsed well
• 4 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

In a large saucepan, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook until the onions are translucent. Add the beans, broth, chicken, cumin, cloves and oregano. Cover and simmer for about one hour. Remove from heat and stir in cheese until it melts.

Nutrition Facts per Serving:

• Serving size: 1⁄8 of recipe
• Calories: 373 Fat: 13 g Saturated fat: 6 g
• Trans fat: 0 Cholesterol: 61 mg Sodium: 227 mg
• Carbohydrates: 30 g Fiber: 6 g Protein: 34 g

Recipe provided courtesy of John Wiley & Sons, from Expect the Best: Your Guide to Healthy Eating Before, During & After Pregnancy by American Dietetic Association ©2009, John Wiley & Sons.