National Nutrition Month- eat what you like!

March is National Nutrition Month.  And, this year's theme sums it up, "Eat right every day, your way".  I find that people I meet (whether they be friends at parties, family members or patients) are somewhat embarassed at times to tell me, "I don't drink milk", or "I really hate Brussels sprouts".  My moto is that food should be enjoyed and not serve as punishment.  If you hate Brussels sprouts, by God, don't eat them!   There are plenty of other green leafy vegetables with a similar nutrient profile that will fit the bill just fine.Keep in mind, your taste buds are not the same as they were when you were seven.  You might be pleasantly surprised that you now like broccoli, or raw tomatoes, or sushi! When faced with a new food- go ahead and try it.  Or, use the substitutes below to get the same nutritients your body craves with the food you love to eat.Here are a few examples:1.  I don't drink milk.  That's ok.  I don't either.  I put it in my coffee in place of cream.  Yogurt is just as high in calcium and also an excellent source of potassium, protein and vitamin D.  I'm fond of the Greek variety that's strained and not runny like traditional yogurt.  If you're not a yogurt fan, try light string cheese.   Lots of calcium and protein, minimum carbohydrate and only 60 calories.2.  I don't like fruit.  Well, there's a lot of fruit to choose from.  You don't eat citrus?  Stock up on berries, pineapple or kiwi.  All are high in vitamin C, fiber and antioxidants to help reduce your chances of heart diseases and cancer.  Go for seasonal fruit which is less expensive, more available and tastes better. Another great option- melon or mangoes.  Add them to your smoothies for a new twist.3.  I don't eat fish.  That's OK, too.  You can choose lean meat, skinless poultry, dried beans (black, pinto, Navy), eggs, edamame or tofu as a protein source.   If you're concerned with not getting enough omega 3 fatty acids in your diet, ask your doctor if fish oil is safe for you.4.  I don't like salad.  Maybe try raw spinach in place of boring iceberg lettuce, or make a salad from napa cabbage, broccoli and granny Smith apples.   You are never to old to retrain your taste buds.5.  I'm allergic to nuts.  Many people suffer with nut allergies, but there is more to life than peanut butter.  Try soy butter or sunflower seed butter.  They're more expensive, but make be a nice substitute when you're craving peanut butter.6.  I like pasta, but I eat too much of it.  Try whole wheat pasta, which boasts 6 grams of fiber per 1/2 cup VS 2 in the white stuff.  Fiber helps fill you up, so you won't have as much room to go overboard.Once you realize you don't have to eat the trendiest vegetable (read kale) and that your nutrient needs can be met with a wide variety of other foods, the guilt of confessing your dietary habits should be greatly lessened.