March marks National Nutrition Month and we’re all about balance when it comes to eating nutritiously while still enjoying are favorite indulgent treats. Believe us, we love our sweets! Most of our LorAnn fans and staff are bakers after all!

To start off: What is considered a “healthy” diet?

According to the USDA a healthy eating plan includes all five food groups; fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy, whole grains, and lean protein. Check out MyPlate to learn how you can make informed food choices and enjoy an overall nutritious diet. You can also celebrate National Nutrition Month with these great resources from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.

Scroll on to switch up the weekly menu rotation with our better-for-you-recipes to avoid food boredom and fight flavor fatigue with our delicious and unique flavors! Many of our flavors are unsweetened, gluten-free, nut-free, and low-carb which can help those with special dietary needs.

Made with an assortment of nuts, seeds and whole-grain oats for a bar that’s packed with fiber and protein. The citrus tasting notes in this granola using our Super Strength Orange Oilis a crowd-pleaser. Adding whole-grains to your diet is so important because they deliver many nutrients and support healthy digestion. Two main nutrients found in whole-grains, fiber and magnesium, may help lower your risk of type 2 diabetes.

You don’t always have to drink your smoothie from a straw; enjoy in a bowl! This gorgeous and protein-filled masterpiece contains bold blueberry flavor. The main ingredient, Low-fat Greek yogurt, is filled with calcium and protein which may help overall bone health and aid in Osteoporosis prevention. Plus, this smoothie is so fun to put together and our team jokes making this art piece can be therapeutic.

Overnight oats can be far from boring when you have a secret ingredient! These easy-to-make Strawberry Shortcake Overnight Oats are made using Kefir and are nutrient-rich. You might be asking, “What’s Kefir and how do you pronounce it?” Kefir (kuh-FEAR) is a fermented milk drink containing probiotics (AKA great for your gut) and is a rich source of calcium, protein and B vitamins. The name is derived from the Turkish word keyif, which means “feeling good” after eating. Kefir does not contain the lactose sugar, which makes for a nutritious alternative for those who are lactose intolerant or sensitive to cow’s milk. Enjoy this recipe at breakfast or as an energized snack before your next workout.

Fans of girl scout cookies will love these thin mint energy bites using our natural Super Strength Peppermint Oiland honey. Rich in antioxidants, honey is a naturally occurring sugar and has been linked to health studies promoting heart health when enjoyed in moderation. Using only five ingredients, whip up these quick, gluten-free no-bake bites as a simple indulgence after a nutritious lunch or dinner.

This “green” smoothie is a great option for your post-workout fuel and can be flavored with any of our Flavor Fountain flavors. For a 16 oz. serving, start with your favorite green fruits and veggies like spinach, green apple, grapes and avocado, next add a liquid base (milk or water), and finally top off with 1-2 teaspoons of the flavor fountain flavor of choice. Some of our favorite flavors in the green smoothie are Cake Batter, Mint Chocolate Chip, Pistachio and Banana. In this recipe we added a scoop of Whey protein powder. Whey protein contains an incredible range of essential amino acids, which are absorbed quickly and studies have shown it may help you build strength, gain muscle and lose body fat.

A perfect dessert option for those who are diabetic or following a low-sugar/low-carb diet. This creamy pudding is a keto-friendly take on the famous Magnolia Bakery’s banana pudding.

How will you be celebrating National Nutrition Month? Share with us in the comments and let us know if you try out any of these better-for-you recipes!