Strawberries
March is National Nutrition Month, an annual campaign created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to encourage people to make informed food choices and develop healthy habits.
The 2026 theme, “Beyond the Table,” reminds us that healthy living goes beyond just what we eat. It includes where our food comes from, how we prepare it, and how we share meals with others. It also encourages stepping outside our comfort zones by trying new foods, experimenting with new recipes, and experiencing meals from different cultures.
For my great-grandmother, Arizona Henry, every month was National Nutrition Month. She understood the importance of eating a variety of healthy foods and staying active. After dinner, we would walk through the Jim’s Town neighborhood together. She didn’t need a fitness tracker or iPhone; she simply believed in taking care of her health and making sure we did the same.
In that spirit, I’m sharing one of my favorite healthy recipes. Good nutrition is the key to a healthier future, and strawberries are a delicious way to support that goal. They are packed with vitamin C, manganese, folate, and potassium, making a naturally sweet, low-calorie snack that fits into any balanced diet.
Strawberry Spinach Salad
1 basket of fresh strawberries, sliced
½ cup chopped pecans
¼ cup chopped red onion
10 oz fresh spinach
¾ cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions:
Place all ingredients in a large bowl. Drizzle with strawberry balsamic vinaigrette dressing until the leaves are lightly coated. Toss gently and serve.
Celebrate National Nutrition Month by trying this simple, fresh salad and taking a step toward healthier habits. Sometimes, small changes like adding more fruits and vegetables to your plate or taking a daily walk can make a big difference over time.
Stacy Schultz is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, a former Morgan County Commissioner and is the author of “It’s Stacy’s Grandma ‘Zona’s recipes.” She has been in healthcare for 35 years at War Memorial Hospital.
