Fort HealthCare promotes National Nutrition Month

Eating right is essential to keeping a body running at its best. During National Nutrition Month^®, Fort HealthCare and the Academy of Nutrition and offer a reminder to build an eating plan with lifestyle and nutritional needs in mind through the "Eat Right, Your Way, Every Day” promotion.

Fort HealthCare registered dietician Stephanie Nischik and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics suggest, "There’s no one-size-fits-all way to eat that’s right for everyone. Some simple tips can help eat according to individual lifestyle needs.”

At work, busy days and business travel can lead to on-the-fly meals. For desktop dining, keep single-serve packages of crackers, fruit, peanut butter, low-sodium soup or canned tuna on-hand. For those who are always on the go, keeping portable, nonperishable foods in a purse, briefcase or backpack for a meal on the run is essential. Try granola bars, peanut butter and crackers, fresh fruit, trail mix or single-serve packages of whole-grain cereal or crackers.

For those who enjoy working out, it’s important to note that performance is impacted by dietary choices. The body needs fuel to function, so eating a light breakfast or snack before exercise can help. Try low-fat yogurt, graham crackers with peanut butter, a banana or cereal with low-fat milk. Additionally, before, during and after exercise, replace fluids with plenty of water or a sports drink.

Family meals allow parents to be role models to promote healthy eating. And, just because a meal is made quickly doesn’t mean it can’t be nutritious. Keep things simple. Build a collection of recipes for quick and easy family favorites. Choose ingredients that you can use from more than one meal. For example, cook extra grilled chicken for chicken salad or fajitas the next day. Get the kids involved making a salad, setting the table or other simple tasks.

As part of this public education campaign, Fort HealthCare dieticians will be visiting six local grocery stores during the month of March. Customers can sample fresh fruits and vegetables, get healthy recipes, have blood pressure checked and ask nutrition-related questions. Dieticians will be available as follows:

·         Sentry- Lake Mills on March 5 from Noon-2 p.m.

·         Piggly Wiggly-Jefferson on March 8 from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

·         Sentry-Fort Atkinson on March 12 from 2-4 p.m.

·         Pick ‘n Save-Fort Atkinson on March 20 from 3-5 p.m.

·         Piggly Wiggly-Cambridge on March 21 from noon-2 p.m.

·         Sentry-Whitewater on March 21 from 3-5 p.m.

Additional information about nutrition and healthy living can be found at FortHealthCare.com/LetsDoThis.