National Nutrition Month happens every year during March. This month was created by the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics to annually provide education and information to help the public make informed food choices and develop sound eating and physical activity habits. National Nutrition Month was also developed to market the Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics as the most credible source of scientifically-based food and nutrition information (often times it is easier to find bogus nutrition information than it is to find scientifically-based nutrition information).  Eatright.org is the Academy’s website and always provides nutrition information that you can trust!

Each year, the Academy sets a theme for the month. This year the theme is “Savor the Flavor of Eating Right”. This purpose of this theme is to encourage the public enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors, and social experiences that food can add to our lives. Food is much more than what we put in our mouths. Food is much more than the nutrients that we put into our mouths. Food can evoke memories & feelings, bring people together, and provide comfort when we need it the most. Part of developing a mindful eating pattern in paying as much attention to how, when, and why we eat as we do to what we eat.

A pulse is defined as the edible seeds of various crops (peas, beans, or lentils) of the legume family.

Most people are familiar with peas and beans but lentils tend to me a little more foreign for most of the population. Lentils come in red, brown, and green varieties and are high in protein, fiber, folic acid, and potassium.  These small legumes (about the size of sunflower seed) are cooked in a similar to beans (in much less time).

Consuming a one to two 1/2 cup servings of pulses a day can have the following health benefits:

• Reduce total cholesterol by 3%
• Reduce LDL cholesterol by 9%

These lowered cholesterol levels equate to a 17%-25% decrease in the risk of heart disease.  How do you achieve these same cholesterol lower benefits yourself? Try consuming one to two 1/2 cup servings a day of lentils, beans , peas, or chickpeas.

Lentil Tacos

Recipe adapted from tasteofhome.com

Ingredients

• 1 cup finely chopped onion
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 1 cup dried lentils, rinsed
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 2-1/2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 12 taco shells
• 1-1/2 cups shredded lettuce
• 1 cup chopped fresh tomato
• 1-1/2 cups (6 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 6 tablespoons sour cream

Directions

1. In a large nonstick skillet, sauté the onion and garlic in oil until tender. Add the lentils, chili powder, cumin and oregano; cook and stir for 1 minute. Add broth; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 25-30 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
2. Uncover; cook for 6-8 minutes or until mixture is thickened. Mash lentils slightly. Stir in salsa.
3. Spoon about 1/4 cup lentil mixture into each taco shell. Top with lettuce, tomato, cheese and sour cream.

 Sources:
Today’s Dietitian
www.medicalnewstoday.com
www.tasteofhome.com

Did you know that you are more likely to meet somebody with an eating disorder than you are to meet somebody with green eyes?

“The death rate associated with eating disorders kills more than 12 times as many girls ages 12-24 than any other cause of death. This includes unintentional accidents (motor vehicle crashes, fire) and any other heath diseases (cancer, etc.).” – ANAD.org

National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA) Week is February 21-27th. NEDAwareness week is an annual campaign to bring public attention to the critical needs of people with eating disorders and their families.

This year’s theme is 3 Minutes Can Save a Life: Get Screened. Get Help. Get Healthy.

Click here to take an anonymous, free, online screening questionnaire.

For more information visit:
nedawareness.org