National Nutrition Month -A beautiful graphic, don't you agree?

Today I'm sharing some of the beautiful graphics and informational press releases, developed and provided by the American Dietetic Association in honor of National Nutrition Month:

During National Nutrition Month and Beyond, the Key to a Healthful Diet is Improving Your Nutrition from the Ground Up

CHICAGO – It’s common knowledge that a healthful diet is an important part of a healthful lifestyle, but most people have trouble figuring out what to do when planning a complete diet overhaul. During National Nutrition Month®, the American Dietetic Association reminds everyone that an easy way to focus on eating better is to start with the basics: build your nutritional health from the ground up.

“By starting slowly and giving yourself a good foundation, you can work towards a healthier life,” says registered dietitian and ADA spokesperson Toby Smithson. “Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to make a difference.”

Smithson suggests ways to improve your nutrition from the ground up:

• Focus on fruits and veggies: “Take a good look at your current diet and you’ll probably realize you’re not eating enough fruits or vegetables,” says Smithson. “Add a serving each day to one meal and increase it every few weeks. Adding more of these foods into your diet is important whether you buy frozen, fresh or organic.”
• Look locally: From farmer’s markets to community-supported agriculture, you have many options to find new, fresh foods in your area. “This can be a great way to eat well and support your community at the same time,” Smithson says.
• Make calories count: “Too often, people think of foods as good or bad and that only those on the ‘good foods’ list are okay to eat,” says Smithson. “When you’re choosing between options, focus instead on the one with more of the vitamins and nutrients that you need. Sometimes, foods with fewer calories aren’t always the healthiest options.” To figure out how many calories you need to achieve a healthy weight, visit www.mypyramid.gov.
• Test your taste buds: A healthy eating plan emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat or fat-free dairy and includes lean meats, poultry, fish, beans and nuts. “Those are the basics, but within this wide range there are always opportunities to try new things and find new favorites,” Smithson says. “Expand your horizons. Try a fish you’ve never eaten before or find a new vegetable recipe. By testing yourself, you might find new healthy favorites to add to your regular grocery list.”
• Trick yourself with treats: “A healthful diet doesn’t mean deprivation,” says Smithson. “If you have a sweet tooth, have fruit and yogurt for dessert. If you want a snack in the afternoon, have some trail mix or nuts. There is no reason to go hungry just because you’re making healthful changes.”

For more tips on building your healthful diet from the ground up, during National Nutrition Month and all year long, visit www.eatright.org and click on “For the Public.”

I like the colored graphic above, but this one could be used as coloring page.

Eat Right
Food, Nutrition and Health Tips from the American Dietetic Association

20 Ways to Enjoy More Fruits, Vegetables, Whole Grains and Dairy
To get the most nutrition out of your calories, choose foods packed with vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients—and lower in calories. Pick fruits, vegetables, whole grains and fat-free or low-fat dairy more often. Be aware of portion sizes. Even low-calorie foods can add up when portions are larger than you need.

1. Variety abounds when using vegetables as pizza topping. Try broccoli, spinach, green peppers, tomatoes, mushrooms and zucchini.
2. Get saucy with fruit: Puree berries, apples, peaches or pears for a thick, sweet sauce on grilled or broiled seafood or poultry, or on pancakes, French toast or waffles.
3. Mix up a breakfast smoothie made with low-fat milk, frozen strawberries and a banana.
4. Heat leftover whole-grain rice with chopped apple, nuts and cinnamon.
5. Make a veggie wrap with roasted vegetables and low-fat cheese rolled in a whole-wheat tortilla.
6. Try crunchy vegetables instead of chips with your favorite dip or low-fat salad dressing.
7. Grill colorful vegetable kabobs packed with tomatoes, green and red peppers, mushrooms and onions.
8. Banana split: Top a sliced banana with a scoop of low-fat frozen yogurt. Sprinkle with a tablespoon of chopped nuts.
9. Add color to salads with baby carrots, grape tomatoes, spinach leaves or mandarin oranges.
10. Prepare instant oatmeal with low-fat or fat-free milk in place of water. Top with dried cranberries and almonds.
11. Stuff an omelet with vegetables. Turn any omelet into a hearty meal with broccoli, squash, carrots, peppers, tomatoes or onions with low-fat sharp cheddar cheese.
12. “Sandwich” in fruits and vegetables. Add pizazz to sandwiches with sliced pineapple, apple, peppers, cucumbers and tomato as fillings.
13. Wake up to fruit. Make a habit of adding fruit to your morning oatmeal, ready-to-eat cereal, yogurt or toaster waffle.
14. Stock up: Fill your fridge with raw vegetables and fruits —“nature’s fast food”—cleaned, fresh and ready to eat.
15. Top a baked potato with beans and salsa or broccoli and low-fat cheese.
16. Microwave a cup of tomato or vegetable soup for a quick afternoon snack.
17. “Grate” complement: Add grated, shredded or chopped vegetables such as zucchini, spinach and carrots to lasagna, meat loaf, mashed potatoes, pasta sauce and rice dishes.
18. Stuff a whole grain pita with ricotta cheese and Granny Smith apple slices. Add a dash of cinnamon.
19. Make your main dish a salad of dark, leafy greens and other colorful vegetables. Add chickpeas or edamame (fresh soybeans). Top with a low-fat dressing.
20. Try this recipe for Popcorn Delight for an easy, healthy snack. Surprise! Popcorn is a whole grain.
    

    Good Health Can Be Colorful.