March is National Nutrition Month. “Put your Best Fork Forward” is the theme for National Nutrition Month 2017, a reminder that each one of us holds the tool to make healthier food choices. Making small changes during National Nutrition Month and over time helps improve health now and in the future. 

Here are some tasty, easy snacks to make from “25 Healthy Snacks for Kids” from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. (Learn more at eatright.org).

• Parfait: Layer vanilla yogurt and mandarin oranges or blueberries in a tall glass. Top with a sprinkle of granola.

• Inside-Out Sandwich: Spread mustard on a slice of deli turkey. Wrap around a sesame breadstick.

• Rocky Road: Break a graham cracker into bite-size pieces. Add to low-fat chocolate pudding along with a few miniature marshmallows.

• Mini Pizza: Toast an English muffin, drizzle with pizza sauce, and sprinkle low-fat mozzarella cheese.

• Sandwich Cut-Outs: Make a sandwich on whole grain bread. Cut out your favorite shape using a big cookie cutter.  Eat the fun shape and the edges, too!

• Apple Pie Oatmeal: Make one packet of microwave oatmeal with low-fat milk. Mix in ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce. Sprinkle with apple pie spice or cinnamon.

• Banana Split: Top a banana with low-fat vanilla and strawberry frozen yogurt. Sprinkle with your favorite whole-grain cereal.

• Spread mustard on a flour tortilla. Top with a slice of turkey or ham, low-fat cheese and lettuce. Then roll it up.

• Mix together peanut butter and cornflakes in a bowl. Shape into balls and roll in crushed graham crackers.

• Microwave a cup of tomato or vegetable soup and enjoy with whole-grain crackers.

• Fill a waffle cone with cut-up fruit and top with low-fat yogurt.

• Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on hot popcorn.

• Peel a banana and dip it in yogurt. Roll in crushed cereal and freeze.

Registered Dietitian Day

Registered Dietitian Day is Wednesday, March 8.  The day was created to increase awareness of registered dietitians as the essential providers of food and nutrition services and recognizes RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. For a referral to a registered dietitian nutritionist and for additional food and nutrition information, visit eatright.org.