🥔 Wrapping Up National Nutrition Month with Easy, Healthy Wins
Ann’s healthy eating hack: Focus on balance rather than counting
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As National Nutrition Month comes to an end, that doesn’t mean the healthy habits we’ve put into practice are ending, too. This year's theme, "Connect with Food," emphasizes the profound role food plays in our lives, from fueling our bodies to strengthening family bonds around the dinner table. We’re taking this opportunity to share a couple more healthy eating hacks and an exciting Peas & Hoppiness app update from our friend & registered dietitian, nutritionist Ann Kent.
Ann’s healthy eating hack: Focus on balance rather than counting.
Registered dietitian AND parent of a toddler and a teenager, Ann tells us:
The "Healthy Plate Model" is a great visual to aim for when you're trying to eat all the nutrients you need. Counting calories, carbs, or protein can be a lot to manage day-to-day and isn't really necessary for most people. Instead, when you think about the whole day of food, try to eat about 1/4 of your food from protein sources, 1/4 from starches, and 1/2 from fruits and vegetables.
Get creative with this! If you don't feel like cooking a meal, see what's in your fridge or pantry to make a balanced plate: protein from peanut butter, carbs from whole grain crackers, and canned fruit will make a super easy meal.
Pro tip: look for fruit canned in juice or rinse canned fruit before serving to remove added sugar.
Healthy Eating Tips for Busy Families
At One Potato, we deeply understand that juggling work, school, and extracurricular activities can make healthy eating seem daunting. Here are some practical tips to make nutritious choices easier for your family:
Plan Ahead: Dedicate time each week to plan meals. This not only reduces stress but also ensures balanced nutrition throughout the week. Our favorite way to do this? The Peas & Hoppy Meal Planning App, of course!
Involve the Kids: Encourage your children to participate in meal planning and preparation. This fosters a sense of ownership and interest in healthy eating. Head on over to Kids Cook Real Food to check out their online cooking course options for kids of all ages and skill levels.
Prioritize Family Meals: Eating together as a family has been linked to higher intakes of fruits and vegetables and a healthy weight among children. But don’t stress! Like Ann told us in her interview, family meals don’t have to happen every single night to be meaningful, “What matters is intentionally planning a couple of meals a week where you sit down together. That’s what your kids will remember.”
Introducing the New Nutrient Filter in the Peas & Hoppiness App
To support your family's nutritional goals, we're excited to share a new feature from our friends at Peas & Hoppiness. The app now offers Recipe Filtering by Nutrient, allowing you to search for meals that fit your family's unique needs. Whether you're meal planning for a picky eater, an active kid, or just trying to make weeknights easier, this feature helps you find nutritious, kid-friendly recipes—fast.
Low-Sodium Meals: Ideal for heart health or if you’re trying to cut back on processed foods, finding low-sodium recipes can be a challenge. With this filter, you can quickly discover meals that use fresh ingredients and natural seasonings—without sacrificing flavor.
High-Protein Options: Perfect for energy and muscle support — If your kid is training for soccer and needs extra fuel for long practices, or you have a kid in a growth spurt who is always hungry, this filter helps you find protein-rich meals that keep them full and energized.
Fiber-Rich Recipes: Great for gut health — If you have a toddler who refuses vegetables or a kid dealing with digestive issues, adding more fiber to their diet can make a huge difference. This filter makes it easy to find gut-friendly meals packed with whole grains, fruits, and veggies.
And the best part? You can combine nutrient filters with any of the existing ones already offered by the Peas & Hoppy Meal Planning App—like gluten-free, vegetarian, breakfast, slow cooker, or even specific ingredients—to find the perfect meal without the endless scrolling. Remember, use code code ONEPOTATO30 for a 30-day trial.
Making Nutrition a Family Affair
Incorporating healthy habits doesn't have to be overwhelming. Start with small changes:
Smart Snacking: Offer nutrient-dense snacks like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to keep energy levels stable.
Hydration: Encourage drinking plain water or plain pasteurized milk, limiting sugary beverages.
Lead by Example: Children learn by observing. Demonstrate balanced eating and a positive attitude toward food. Stay tuned in May for a deeper discussion around this topic during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Thanks for celebrating National Nutrition Month with us not only during March, but all year round!