March is National Nutrition Month!
Several nutrition education
organizations join forces this month to promote the theme: Food
and Fitness: Health for a Lifetime. Among them are the American
Dietetic Association and the 5-A-Day For Better Health Program of
the National Cancer Institute, as well as our North Carolina
affiliates of these groups.
The campaign for National Nutrition Month, 2000 will
emphasize the importance of nutrition and physical activity for
life-long good health. It is an opportunity to challenge all of
us to be conscious of our food choices and fitness. The United
States is facing an obesity epidemic, and the best ways to
achieve successful weight management include making healthful
food choices, eating the right size portions, and getting regular
physical activity.
Don't be concerned if you are not a runner, or if aerobics
isn't your thing. Any movement, even simple stretching, and
applying variety, balance and moderation to both your food
choices and physical activity habits help increase your stamina
and overall long-term good health.
- Follow the Food Guide Pyramid and Dietary Guidelines for Americans for nutrition guidance and portion control.
- Remember that variety, balance, and moderation are part of an eating style that promotes fitness and health.
- Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily to lower your risk of cancer. During the month of March, look for North Carolina-grown apples, leafy greens, and sweet potatoes. In April, you will find cabbage and strawberries, as well.
- Get up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and take a brisk walk to start your day.
- Are you a computer user-on and off the job? Move your body at least 5 minutes for every hour of computer time.
- Do some backyard gardening. In the fall, rake leaves.
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup whole wheat flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1/2 cup sugar (brown or white, or 3 tablespoons honey)
1/3 cup milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 cup shredded, unpeeled apple
Sift dry ingredients. Add butter, sugar, milk, egg and apple. Stir just to moisten (batter should look lumpy). Fill greased muffin tins about 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees F for 30 minutes, or until done. Yields: 10-11 muffins.
APPLE FRUIT SALAD
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup sugar
2 eggs, well-beaten
Juice of 2 lemons
1/2 cup pineapple juice
3 bananas, sliced
1 cup pecans, chopped
4 medium apples, peeled and cut in pieces
3 stalks celery, chopped
1 (8 1/4 oz.) can pineapple chunks, drained
1 cup seedless red grapes (halved) or 1 cup raisins
1 cup miniature marshmallows
Cook first 5 ingredients until thick and clear. Chill and pour over remaining ingredients. Serves 8-10.
