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Feature Articles: Health
March is National Nutrition Month®Tammy Roberts, MS, RD, LD, nutrition and health education specialist, Barton County, University of Missouri Extension |
The American Dietetic Association’s theme for National Nutrition
Month® 2009 is Eat Right. Many people may be wondering how it is
possible to eat right with food prices rising and food packages
getting smaller. You really can eat a well-balanced diet on a
budget but it takes a little diligence and a lot of planning.
Good planning starts with finding recipes that are quick and easy to prepare and knowing what you will do with every last morsel of food after it is cooked. Look for casseroles that include grains, vegetables and protein such as a lasagna with added vegetables. There are many great recipes that can be prepared and cooked in a crock pot. These types of recipes can be healthful and not too time consuming for the cook.
Think of leftovers as being a valuable asset. They can be carried for lunch the next day or frozen for dinner another week. To assure the food is safe, put it away right after the meal. Small amounts of leftover meat can be extended with pasta or rice or in a casserole or soup for another meal.
Meat and poultry can be an expensive part of the meal. A good way to save is to serve recommended portions of meat. According to MyPyramid, the average adult needs only 5½ ounces of meat or meat equivalents in a day. Three ounces of cooked meat looks like the size of a deck of cards. Many of us easily eat 5½ ounces of meat in one meal. One egg, one tablespoon of peanut butter and ¼ cup of cooked beans all count as one ounce of meat.
Use the grocery store ads and coupons to help save money. Plan meals around what’s on sale for the week. Be sure to check recipes and compare them to what you have on hand so there won’t be extra trips to the store. Clip coupons and use them only for what you regularly use.
Eat right and remember that small changes can make a big difference in your health. And, with some planning, you can save money at the same time!
Last update: Tuesday, May 05, 2009
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