Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month (NNM)? Each year, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics picks a new theme and this year they have chosen “Eat Right…Bite by Bite.”
Their logo has a nice retro look, which apparently is trendy now since the 70’s and 80’s are making a comeback. However, I do like the message because it can apply to different people who all have different nutrition goals.
It is important to remember that not all nutrition goals are weight-oriented. With any new goal, I think it is important to remember to keep the goal realistic and achievable and I often tell people to just take it “step by step” or sometimes I say “day by day”. So, I think it is analogous to the Academy’s “bite by bite.”
They might have different intentions but I think it is helpful to think of it this way. For example, if your goal is to eat more fruits and vegetables, then making the small change of choosing a fruit or vegetable as your afternoon snack instead of the potato chips would be your “bite by bite” progression to your goal.
In summary, I want to express to you the importance of your positive and proactive actions; never dismiss them even if they are small because they count and when added up they sum up to a positive lifestyle change that will benefit you and your health.
On another different note, I would like to share my new favorite breakfast item, which is blueberry chia jam. The best part about this jam is that it takes only 10 minutes to make and it is packed with fiber, protein and antioxidants. Enjoy!
Blueberry Chia Jam (Makes 1 1/2 cups)
- 3 cups frozen/fresh blueberries
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup chia seeds
Instructions
- In a saucepan over medium heat, add berries, zest, juice, and syrup. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Lightly mash berries with a spoon.
- Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Cook, stirring occasionally, until reduced by half, approximately 5 to 10 minutes.
- Add chia seeds, continue to boil for 1 minute.
- Transfer jam to heatproof jars or containers and allow to cool.
- Cover and keep in refrigerator up to 2 weeks or in freezer up to 3 months.
Stubbins, R. (2020). Eat Good . . . . Feel Better [PDF document]. Retrieved from R. Stubbins, personal communication, March 2, 2020.
