National Nutrition Month: Small Changes Add Up To Big Results

Since 1980, March has been known as National Nutrition Month, according to the American Dietetic Association. It is the one month out of the year that is dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of making informed food choices and engaging in physical activity. With the headlines filled year-round with so many stories describing the latest ways to capitalize on being healthy, it can result in the audience tuning out. The one thing that people should keep in mind, however, is that small changes can add up to some major results.

"When most people think of eating healthy, they think they have to go hungry. Well, that's just not true," says Jordan Lichman, dean of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management at Stratford University. "If we want eating nutritional foods to become a lifestyle, we have to make sure we satisfy our craving for big, familiar flavors in a hearty portion."

Over-eating by only 50 calories per day, which is what many people do, can add up to a noticeable weight gain each year. Do this for five years and you may be up 30-50 pounds. You can still serve up family meals that are hearty and satisfying, but there are ways to help reduce the fat and calories in them. Cutting the fat and calories in your meals is a small change that can have a powerful impact. And it is actually easier than you may think.

For example, a typical four-ounce Angus-beef burger will add up to around 650 calories and a lot of fat. But you can make a bigger, tastier, six-ounce burger by choosing a leaner meat, such as turkey. Make it a Cajun smothered-turkey burger, by adding flavorful additions like roasted peppers and Cajun rice, and you have a 475 calorie burger that is packed with a great balance of nutrients.

"Bigger is better," adds Lichman. "You can serve up a bigger burger, with great taste, and yet save a lot of calories and fat. That's a win-sin situation all the way around. And you can do this with many of your meals. It is a small change that will help keep off that extra weight."

Stratford University offers a variety of degrees in culinary arts and hospitality management, as well as non-degree culinary workshops. The degrees offered include advanced culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, hotel and restaurant management, and hospitality management.

About Stratford University:
Stratford University operates campuses in Tysons Corner and Woodbridge. It offers 30 undergraduate and graduate degrees in the areas of Culinary Arts and Hospitality, Health Sciences, Business Administration, and Information Technology. The degree programs are offered both on campus, as well as online. For more information on Stratford University, please visit www.stratford.edu.

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Sources:
American Dietetic Association. National Nutrition Month.