March is National Nutrition Month, and tomorrow also happens to be National Registered Dietitian Day.
As a registered dietitian here in St. Louis, this time of year always feels like a fun opportunity to share small ideas that make healthy routines a little easier and sometimes a little more enjoyable.
If you’ve ever wondered what dietitians actually keep in their own kitchens, here are a few of my personal favorites.
These are a handful of things I genuinely enjoy using in my everyday life. If I don’t use them daily, they’re definitely part of my routine multiple times each week.
None of these are required for good health, of course, but they’re small things that make my routines a little easier (and sometimes more delicious).
Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea
One of my longtime favorite teas was Trader Joe’s Winter Tea, but it had two drawbacks: it’s seasonal, and it contains black tea, meaning caffeine.
Since I’ve found that no caffeine in the afternoon actually HELPS my energy, I had to say goodbye to it… until I discovered Celestial Seasonings Bengal Spice Tea.
It has that same cozy, warming flavor profile but without the caffeine. The blend of cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, and cloves gives it a chai-like feel, perfect for a comforting afternoon cup when I want something warm without the buzz.
Mama Teav’s Hot Garlic
This hot garlic chili crisp goes great on almost everything: eggs, roasted vegetables, stirred into soup, or spooned over rice.
That deep scarlet chili oil adds crunch, heat, and umami in a way that instantly elevates a meal (well… maybe not ice cream).
It’s not overwhelmingly spicy, but it does add a satisfying kick. I will say this one is a bit of a splurge, so I sometimes rotate it with Trader Joe’s Chili Onion Crunch, which has a similar vibe.
RXBAR Breakfast Bars (My Travel Go-To)
I’m not a huge fan of the original RXBARs, but the RXBAR Breakfast Bars are a different story.
They have a better texture and are one of my favorite grab-and-go options when traveling.
When mornings are busy, or when I’m catching an early flight, having something simple with protein that I know will keep me satisfied is incredibly helpful. These bars are easy to toss into a bag and don’t require refrigeration, which makes them a reliable backup for hectic days.
Ka’Chava Whole Food Nutrition Shake
This one falls into the “splurge” category, but it’s one I genuinely enjoy.
Ka’Chava is more than just a protein powder, it’s a whole-food-based nutrition shake with plant proteins, micronutrients, and prebiotic fibers.
What I appreciate most is how satiating it is compared to many other protein powders.
My go-to smoothie combination looks like this:
- 1 Scoop Ka’Chava (chocolate or vanilla)
- 1 frozen banana
- ½ cup frozen berries
- 1 T. nut butter
- 1 cup milk of choice
It’s one of the few smoothies that actually keeps me full for hours!
Our Homemade Granola
This sweet, salty, crunchy granola has become a staple in my kitchen.
I enjoy it on yogurt, sprinkled over cereal, or just by the handful. The flavor combination of cardamom and cinnamon makes it feel special, and after making it so many times, I could probably prepare it with my eyes closed.
I’ll occasionally switch up the nuts and seeds depending on what I have in the pantry, but the spices always stay the same.
A Small Reminder for National Nutrition Month
I often ask my clients how they feel when they eat: are they physically satisfied and emotionally pleased? Both matter, and both deserve attention. In that spirit, we honor both during National Nutrition Month.
If even one small idea here sparks inspiration in your own routine, then this post has done its job.
And to my fellow dietitians, happy National Registered Dietitian Day tomorrow!
XO, Jen