Celebrate National Nutrition Month This March With Delicious Mushrooms

Healthy eating is very important for our family and I try to make sure each meal is nice and balanced. Did you know March is National Nutrition Month? The theme for this month is "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day" and that is exactly what we plan to do. As a southern family, I always include vegetables with our meals and I'm very lucky because my boys both love them as much as I do. One vegetable that is often overlooked is the mushroom. It just so happens that I love mushrooms and often add them to meals in creative ways that the kids enjoy. Josiah just received a kit to grow his very own oyster mushrooms and is so excited to not only grow them, but to use them in our dinners when they are ready. How fun and educational is that? 

What are our favorite ways to eat mushrooms? I love sauteing them and eating them as a side dish, but the kids love them in veggie soup and on top of pizza! I also always add them to spaghetti since my mom did the same when I was growing up. I'm getting hungry just thinking about this! Even if you don't particularly enjoy mushrooms, there are ways to add them in foods that don't make them overpowering or even noticeable, but you can still gain all of the great vitamins and such, from including them.

Speaking of mushrooms, the Mushroom Council is made up of fresh-market mushroom producers or importers and is dedicated to promoting the consumption and usage of mushrooms in a variety of delicious meals! The Mushroom Channel refers to the council's website and social media channels. Check them all out to find some awesome mushroom recipes for healthy delicious meals and to keep up with current mushroom news. I found a great recipe for Mushroom Steak Fajitas. You can also find a swapability resource for more ideas. You can follow via Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest! 

Why eat mushrooms? 

Did you know they are fat-free, low-calorie, nutrient-dense, have natural antioxidants, as well as essential vitamins and minerals? Mushrooms can give your immune system an extra boost, something we can all use this time of year when the flu is running rampant. They really are quite a treasure and can add so much to meals for our families. Quite simply, mushrooms are superfood! They can enhance flavor of meals, make for bigger portion sizes, as well as provide an extra serving of veggies! Plus, they can be used in dishes for all meals, breakfast lunch and dinner. I love mushrooms in omelets for breakfast.  Oh, and did I mention the price? Mushrooms are very affordable, which is quite important for a family on a budget like mine! I often find them on sale at the grocery store and love when I find the manger's specials for them. 

Do you love mushrooms as much as I do? You should give them a try in different recipes to see what your family enjoys the most! If you have picky eaters, there are some recipes where the mushrooms are not even noticeable. In the meantime, want to party? There is an awesome Twitter Party next Wednesday, March 20th at 8-9pm EST with the Mushroom Council and we would love to see you there! The hashtag for the party will be #MushroomDish

Leave a comment below telling me your favorite dishes with mushrooms! I would love some new ideas to try out with my family. 

Disclosure: This post was written for the Mushroom Council in conjunction with Global
Influence. All opinions written are my own.