March - is National Nutrition Month. This year’s theme is Nutrition from the Ground Up. The American Dietetic Association wants people to focus on making informed food choices and forming sound eating and physical activity habits. It is not about dieting or fad food plans but rather practical everyday habits to keep you healthy and fit. Fortunately, a gluten-free diet emphasizes fruits, vegetables, and alternative grains, which are a perfect fit for healthy food choices. Many of the new gluten-free products are also incorporating alternative gluten-free grains or using gluten-free whole grains.

Nutrition from the ground up also helps us focus on wholesome unprocessed foods. Whole grains, fruits, and vegetables are just some of the foods that should be part of a healthy meal pattern. Try including local and seasonal offerings. Using legumes, tofu, and fish as your protein servings provides more fiber and less fat than the usual meat based meal.

Focusing on healthy food choices does not mean you have to give up taste or even an occasional treat. Whole unprocessed foods can be as tasty as they are healthy. We have included some mouth-watering recipes that include whole grains, beans, even multigrain gluten-free pasta.

This year’s campaign is also a perfect fit with the National Childhood Obesity Initiative. "Let's Move" is this year's motto of the childhood obesity prevention campaign. Both campaigns aim to increase awareness of the importance of healthy eating habits and the importance of daily activity.

Being active does not have to be painful or expensive. Your daily activity can be simple and enjoyable, walking, swimming, even a game of catch with your kids are all considered healthy activities. The actual activity is less important than being active on a daily basis. Remember the slogan – let’s move – it can also mean enjoy the movement!

Instead of the usual “diet plan” that list all the things you cannot have, we focused on the positive ways you can improve your health. It is a simple guide to help you stay on a healthy path.

Healthy Gluten-Free Lifestyle Plan
1. Use whole gluten-free grains, (brown rice instead of white rice, whole corn meal instead of corn starch)
2. Add at least three servings of alternative gluten-free grains per week; buckwheat, quinoa, amaranth
3. Be sure to get your five servings from the fruit and vegetable group each day
4. Use fish, bean, and legumes as your protein sources at least three times per week
5. Include at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.

Follow this link to our featured recipes.