Celebrate a world of flavors this March as nutrition professionals gear up for a uniquely themed National Nutrition Month. You can participate by incorporating your favorite cultural foods and traditions into your rotating menu planning. Reach out to a more distant relative who has that special family recipe and invite some friends over to share in some culturally rich traditions. Trying new flavors from around the work is another great way to celebrate. Making time to plan and try new meals is a great tool to incorporate year-round. You can find more ways to get involved with National Nutrition Month at EatRight.org.

Instead of setting those typical diet-based New Year’s resolutions, opt for something a bit more sensible. There are non-diet, yet food specific, declarations you can make and feel good about this year. If you’re already comfortable in the kitchen, try perfecting a recipe. If you tend to get bored of your weekly meal routine, try a new food or food group totally outside of your comfort zone. Budgeting in a food luxury, such as a couple of grocery deliveries or a more expensive pasta every now and then, is a fan favorite. While sleep may not seem related to food, there is no denying that catching enough shut eye can affect a person’s quality of nutrition. Maybe you need to spruce up your kitchen. Perhaps a full-blown kitchen remodel is not in your future, but instead a deep clean or a new table runner. All these ideas can help set the tone for healthier nutrition in the new year.

While it is a blessing, it can certainly be a challenge to have a birthday that falls near a major holiday. To kick each birthday off with a bang, remind your kiddo that everyone will remember their big day, seeing as how it’s so close to the holidays! This will help get them and your family in the spirit. It’s also nice to get a little sliver of normalcy during the holiday months. Dedicated birthday cake and birthday gift wrap goes a long way for both that special person and the family as a whole. Oftentimes, there may be extra special outings or activities that are available during these times only.  For example, if your child’s birthday falls near Christmas, you may be able to take a trip to the local ice-skating rink or go for a carriage ride in a nearby park.

​If you’re getting tired of the same holiday fare, there are several new stomach-worthy untraditional holiday meals ideas. The hors d’oeuvres only theme is perfect for nights like Christmas Eve when a crowd may be large and perhaps heading out the door for a night church service. Messina catering has a great guide on hosting appetizer only events. Homemade takeout is also a crowd pleaser. Even going semi homemade works. Simply stop by your local Chinese restaurant for rice to go and throw together something like this instant pot sesame chicken recipe. Fondue is a fun dining experience that is a sure-fire conversation started. While everyone is having fun, they’ll also be getting a variety of things to nibble on. You’ll be able to satisfy everyone! 

During November and December, Holidays meals certainly are at the forefront of everyone’s minds. These holiday spreads have more things to consider when planning and prepping. From number of guests to dietary needs, it’s no wonder we spend a lot of time thinking about holiday dinners and brunches. Beyond these few meals, we have unwavering daily nutritional needs and thus other meal preparation and cooking to consider. Try making the most of the cooler temperatures and food seasonality by making soups and casseroles. Collards, Brussels sprouts, carrots, celery, apples and many other fruits and vegetables are available during the winter months. Winter squashes are the perfect base for Meatless Mondays, like this vegetarian stuffed acorn squash recipe. Hot sandwiches never disappoint, either! Check out this basic tuna melt recipe by Simply Recipes.