5 tips and tricks for making meals more nutritious

Published: March 15, 2024

March is National Nutrition Month, making it the perfect time to change things up in the kitchen. Here are some easy tips and tricks to make your meals more nutritious! 

• Try new ways to season your meals. Instead of reaching for salt or sugar, try utilizing more herbs, citrus, garlic, and spices for delicious recipes. 
• Avoid deep frying foods. Prioritize healthier cooking techniques in the kitchen such as grilling, broiling, roasting, steaming, and poaching to avoid extra unhealthy fats. 
• Diversify your sources of protein. Rather than relying on red meat or processed meats, incorporate versatile protein sources like fish, beans, chickpeas, lentils, nuts, and poultry. 
• Choose healthier alternatives. Frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables can be more accessible, but be sure to choose options without added sugars or salts for a healthier option. 
• Add extra veggies to your favorite meals. Bulk up your meals by adding extra greens when you cook. Add some spinach to your pasta, more broccoli to your stir-fry, or kale to your favorite soup. 

Use National Nutrition Month to give some nutritious changes a try! For more ideas and information, check out the Center’s Nourish Program and other Nutrition Resources. 

Written by Emily Torres, MPH candidate and graduate research assistant at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health in Austin.