National Nutrition Month - Nutrition from the Ground Up

As spring begins it is a good time to refresh your nutrition and this year the theme for nutrition month ties right in to the growth of spring. "Nutrition from the Ground Up" is focused on boosting inclusion of whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Build a complete meal plan by adding lean protein and low-fat or fat-free dairy choices.

The American Dietetic Association provides the following tips to boost your "Nutrition from the Ground Up"

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.

For more tips to build your nutritional base visit - www.eatright.org/nnm