March Is National Nutrition Month

It’s National Nutrition Month, so celebrate by incorporating more “super foods” into your diet. Super foods have mighty — and sometimes surprising — nutritional powers, and they’re tasty too. Here are five of my favorites:

• Nonfat yogurt: Yogurt is a great source of high-quality protein, and makes for a nutritious and quick breakfast and snack option.
• Sardines: Salmon gets most of the attention, but did you know that ounce for ounce, sardines contain more omega-3 fats than salmon? Omega-3s have been shown to help decrease blood pressure and triglycerides, increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, reduce inflammation, and alleviate depression.
• Egg Whites: I LOVE egg whites because they’re just about the leanest source of protein around: a three egg white omelet provides 9 grams of high-quality protein, at a “cost” of only 60 calories. They’re also quick-cooking, versatile (a great salad topper!), and inexpensive.
• Berries: Berries not only taste great, they’re also loaded with flavonoids — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory plant chemicals that may help reduce the risk of cardiovascular and neurodegenerative diseases and maybe even some forms of cancer. Nothing beats fresh berries in the summer, but I enjoy buying frozen berries year-round and using them in smoothies and hot or cold cereal.
• Pistachio Nuts: Here’s one I bet you didn’t see coming! Pistachios rank as a super food because they provide phytosterols and soluble fiber — two powerful plant compounds that help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol. They’re also my “nut of choice” for losing weight: 25 pistachios clock in at only 100 calories, and because they’re in a shell, you have to eat them sloooowly.

Celebrate nutrition — try one of these super foods today!