National Nutrition Month is coming to an end. How did you do? Were you more attentive to your nutrition? Did you make any positive behavioral changes? If you did well and took time during March to re-evaluate and readjust your eating and exercise habits, congratulations! If not, it’s not too late. You can still spend some time on yourself. Whether you’ve made some changes or are just getting started, try this healthy recipe to kick-start your nutritional makeover or keep you on the right track.

Balsamic Shrimp and Vegetable Pasta

Ingredients:

1 TBSP olive oil
1 large clove garlic, minced
1 green pepper, chopped
1 yellow pepper, chopped
1 red pepper, chopped
1 large can diced tomatoes, drained
¼ cup balsamic vinegar
1 TBSP dried parsley
½ TBSP basil
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
16 – 20 large frozen pre-cooked shrimp
8 oz whole wheat spaghetti (or other whole wheat pasta)

Instructions:

Cook pasta as instructed on package.

In the meantime, heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for a few seconds until it sizzles. Add the peppers and sauté for 3-5 minutes until they begin to get tender. Add the tomatoes, balsamic vinegar and spices and cook until peppers are tender and tomatoes are heated through.

When pasta is done, drain it reserving 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Increase the heat under the vegetables and bring the liquid to a boil. Add about half the pasta water to the vegetables and stir. The liquid should thicken slightly. Reduce the heat again and add the pasta to the skillet stirring to mix well and coat the pasta with the liquid. Simmer for 1-2 minutes until pasta has soaked up some of the sauce and everything is at the same temperature. Add the shrimp and cook just until heated through. Remove from heat and serve.

Makes about 4 servings.

(Recipe from the kitchen of Ami Spencer. Copyright 2008)

"Eat well. Live well. Be well."

It’s that time of year again. Time to brush of your nutritional know-how and reacquaint yourself with some good-for-you foods. March is National Nutrition Month and we’re on a mission to improve nutrition. This year, the American Dietetic Association (ADA) is promoting a “total diet” approach to nutrition. March’s monthly feature article reminds us that “There are no bad foods, no good or bad times to eat and no magic bullet for maintaining a healthy weight.” So instead of beating yourself up for skipping the gym yesterday or eating that piece of cake before bed, try to remember that the big lifestyle picture is much more important than the moment-to-moment snapshots.

Here at Feed the Soul, we always recommend a moderate and well-rounded approach to health and nutrition, so this year’s Nutrition Month focus of promoting “the importance of making informed food choices and developing sound eating and physical activity habits” fits in perfectly with our motto:

“Eat well, live well and be well.”

The ADA and Feed the Soul recommend that you get some form of moderate physical activity most days of the week, include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in most of your meals, and eat mostly lean meats, fish or beans as your source of protein. If you’re making positive behavioral changes, eating well, and getting moderate amounts of exercise most of the time, then those occasional treats or a day off from exercise won’t ruin your efforts to live a healthy lifestyle. Instead, they’ll become an important part of that lifestyle.

There’s no magic pill or perfect diet to help you lose weight or improve your health, but a well-rounded approach to health and nutrition will take you a long way toward living a healthy life. To learn more, you can read the ADA’s Nutrition Fact Sheets for information on everything from vitamins and minerals to reviews of the latest popular diet trends. If you’re interested in improving your diet without going to extremes, check out the Food Guide Pyramid and create your own healthy eating plan. Or if you’d like a more personal approach you can contact Feed the Soul for a personal consultation or find a Registered Dietitian in your area who can help you set and reach your health goals. What are you waiting for? This month was made for you!

"Eat well. Live well. Be well."