Week 4- try something new #nutritionmonth

Trying to start eating healthier is challenging. Many people worry that choosing healthy food means that it just won’t taste good. This does not have to be the case. The key is to keep it interesting. Try experimenting with new foods, play around with different flavours. Need some more ideas of how to make this happen?
 

• Change up your recipes- try new recipes. I often recommend one new recipe every two weeks to begin. Trying too many new recipes can be overwhelming and you can get stuck back in your same old routine. If two weeks feels like too much, start with once a month. I always encourage people to work up to trying one new recipe a week. For a kid friendly, easy recipe try this – sesame noodles

 

• Try something new- often people are interested in trying a new food, but feel overwhelmed by where to start. This can be a great area to get the kids involved in. Choose a new fruit or vegetable to try. Have a dinner party and ask everyone to bring a different dish.

 
 

• Make your own meals and skip the takeout.
  • Save money! Who doesn’t need that?
  • Serve meals family style- taco’s, fajita’s, salads, burrito/Buddha bowls- let everyone, including the kids dish it up themselves. Give everyone a different role in the meal prep and it can become a great time for connection and takes the load off the one person preparing the meal.
  • Use a slow cooker- read more here
  • Try some quick and easy recipes like this one

 

• Use flavour!
  • Try cinnamon on apples, pears or sweet potatoes.
  • Add curry to soups and stir-fries.
  • Try nutmeg on carrots, squash or parsnips.
  • Add garlic and ginger to soups and stir-fries.
  • Add red pepper flakes to give dishes some heat.
  • Add a squeeze of lemon or lime to salads and noodle dishes.

 
Are you looking for more support with meal planning for your family? Contact Jill, Nurture The Future’s Registered Dietitian at nf.nutrition@gmail.com
 
References:
Adapted from The Dietitians of Canada’s Nutrition Month Campaign Materials. Find more information about Nutrition Month at: www.nutritionmonth2016.ca

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