Healthy cooking tips, recipes, food facts and more from a Registered Dietitian!
n. Nutrition Info
National Diabetes Month
Nov 19th
What better month to start my new job in Diabetes Education than the month of November – National Diabetes Month! Thanks to those of you who have emailed with congrats about the new job – I’m really enjoying it and think it will be a wonderful opportunity for me. Here are a few points you may want to consider:
- I will be doing a cooking demo at Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, MS tonight at 5:30pm – everyone is invited, so please come! I’m going to talk about healthy appetizer options for Thanksgiving!
- Also, let me know if you are in the Golden Triangle Mississippi Area (Oktibbeha, Clay, Webster, Winston, Choctaw, Lowndes, Noxubee Counties) and would like to be a “Community Health Promoter.” As a community health promoter, you would be a great resource to me as I begin doing diabetes education in your county. It would be a volunteer position and not take much time. This would be a great way for you to attend a few programs and learn more about diabetes! Just reply to the newsletter if you’re interested and I’ll send you more information.
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...Nutrition for Eye Health
Nov 12th
As you will see below (See What I’ve Been Up To… for more info), today I will be presenting with some of my new coworkers concerning eye health for individuals with diabetes. I have been paired with two other girls for a group presentation. One of them plans to talk about the parts of the eye, one plans to talk about eye problems and diseases commonly found in people with diabetes, and I plan to talk about how to keep your eyes healthy, including the important nutritional aspect! But, like most things in life, it is important for all of us to look into our eye health. Here are some foods to consider including in your diet to help your eyes:
- Vitamin C – citrus fruits, many other fruits & vegetables
- Vitamin A – found as Beta Carotene in plants – red, orange, and yellow vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, pumpkins, squash, and carrots
- Lutein – dark green leafy vegetables
- Vitamin E – nuts, walnuts
- Omega 3 & 6 EFA’s – Salmon, fatty fish, nuts
- Flaxseed Oil – Add to drinks
- Nuts
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Omega Fats
Nov 6th
I am frequently asked for examples of heart-healthy fats. Even as a dietitian who talks about nutrition regularly, I tend to get the fats mixed up myself! If you are trying to eat heart healthy foods, look to omega-3 fatty acids. Omega fats can help lower cholesterol, a substance linked to heart health. Here are some healthy sources:
- Fish (especially fatty fish like salmon)
- Olive Oil (cook your vegetables with a little olive oil)
- Flaxseeds (enjoy them on your cereal)
- Avocado
- Soybeans
- Canola Oil
- Walnut Oil
- Walnuts
- Leafy Greens
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...A Diet for Your Hair
Oct 9th
Since I am donating my hair today (see below), I thought it might be a fun time to venture a topic I don’t believe I have yet discussed in my newsletters – how to eat for better hair! Here are a few points and tips I’ve found:
- Follow a Healthy Diet – just a regular healthful diet with fruits, vegetables, and plenty of protein provides most of what hair needs to be healthy.
- Hair Loss – Sometimes hair loss is triggered by a deficiency of B vitamins, so try supplementing a B complex if you’re experiencing hair loss.
- Vitamin C – Can help aid circulation in the head, resulting in better conditions for hair to grow.
- Anemia, low thyroid hormone levels, and excessive supplementation of vitamin A can lead to hair loss.
- Fat – little to no fat in the diet can lead to hair dulling or loss, so be sure to include some healthy fats in moderation
- Coffee & Tea can deplete your body of essential nutrients, leading to hair that is less healthy.
- Exercise & plenty of sleep are keys to healthy hair, as inadequate amounts of either of these are not healthy to your body.
Summary: Eat a healthy, balanced diet if you are interested in having beautiful, healthy hair. Be sure to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables as well as healthy fats. If you feel you may be deficient, grab a supplement to boost your intake of vital nutrients.
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes
Oct 8th
Fall has arrived and with it comes one of my favorite vegetables … Sweet Potatoes! As shown in this week’s recipe, sweet potatoes are very easy to prepare and serve. You could even bake sweet potatoes for dinner one night and use the leftovers to cream for the casserole above the next night! With fall vegetables coming in, I’m finding sweet potatoes on sale at the grocery store now!
Sweet potatoes are high in vitamin A and beta carotene. They are also high in vitamin C, vitamin B6, manganese, copper, potassium, and iron. Sweet potatoes provide a good source of fiber as well, especially when eaten with the skin on.
Sweet potatoes are naturally sweet. Contrary to popular belief, they will not raise your blood sugar more than the average potato. A serving is 1/2 cup or 1 small sweet potato.
So, eat sweet potatoes for good health – for your eyes, skin, heart, digestive tract, and whole body!
(No Ratings Yet) Loading ...
