"Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right"

I apologize for not posting lately, I have been crazy with school and work. I recently just got a new job as a Dietetic Tech at a hospital around here. I am really excited about it!

March is right around the corner and it is National Nutrition Month! I will be very busy doing community lessons to a range of groups from first graders to the elderly. This year's theme, for National Nutrition Month, is: "Enjoy the Taste of Eating Right". This is a perfect theme for my blog as I always try to make healthy food that tastes good.
Here are some smart techniques from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to enhance flavor but not calories into your meals (from www.eatright.org)

• Try high-heat cooking, like pan-searing, grilling, or broiling, with poultry, fish, and meat.
• Pepper and onions add a lot of flavor to dishes.
• Grill or roast vegetables (450 degrees) for a sweet, smoky flavor. First drizzle olive oil, than top with pepper, salt, rosemary, thyme, and any of your favorite herbs.
• Caramelize onions to bring out their natural sugar flavor with a small amount of oil, over low heat. 
• Simmer juices to make a reduction sauce, but don't let them boil, top meats or dishes with the sauce.
• Cook whole grains, like quinoa and wild rice, in chicken or vegetable broth for a kick of flavor. 
• Add a touch of a bold flavor with pomegranate seeds, chipotle pepper, or cilantro.
• Add a tangy taste with citrus juice or grated citrus peel. Citrus foods help lift and balance flavor.
• Enhance sauces, soups, or salads with balsamic or rice vinegar.
• Use different good-quality condiments like flavored mustards, chutney, wasabi, bean purees, vegetable purees, salsas, and horseradish. 

Go out there and try a new flavor or type of food for National Nutrition Month, you never know what you will like!