March is National Nutrition Month, and Carthage Area Hospital’s team of Registered Dietitians is here to give you some quick and easy nutrition advice. Our nutrition team includes Carly Draper, RDN, CDE; Glenice York, DTR; and Rebecca Redmore, MSEd, RD, CDN. These knowledgeable women are food and nutrition experts who provide Medical Nutrition Therapy and nutrition education for a variety of medical conditions, as well as for general well-being. Though just a fraction of the nutrition advice that a full appointment can offer, the following two tips are simple ways to kickstart your journey toward a healthier diet.
Enjoy What You Eat
When faced with beets or wheatgrass, it can be easy to cringe at healthy food options. One important tip from the healthcare experts at Carthage Area Hospital is that a healthy diet is easier to maintain if you enjoy what you’re eating. Many wonderful fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are so delicious that you’ll want to choose them over processed alternatives. Instead of reaching straight for that donut, try a fruit and yogurt parfait. The fresh fruits give you the sweetness you crave while offering sustainable energy. With the yogurt, you gain the nutritious calcium to help strengthen you teeth and bones. Of course, choosing a healthier breakfast doesn’t mean that you’ll never be able to eat your favorite bagel and cream cheese again. Just make health-conscious choices, like choosing a whole-wheat bagel and using a smaller amount of cream cheese.
Start Small
One reason why people often quit eating healthily is that they make their dietary changes too drastic. The healthcare providers at Carthage Area Hospital suggest starting off with small alterations instead. For example, switch from canned vegetables to frozen, add a salad to your lunch, and go lighter on the dressing. If changing your actual food choices still seems too radical, try shrinking the portion sizes on any fatty meals you have planned. Choose sliders instead of a full-sized burger or enjoy a mini dessert instead of a huge piece of cake. Even these small steps can begin your journey toward a healthier diet.