Nutrition plays a vital role in health and building an internal care plan. March marks the arrival of National Nutrition Month, and Carle Health providers and dietitian experts recommend this time as an opportunity to embrace healthy choices that can be carried out all year long.
Whether you are managing a chronic condition or looking to improve your diet, healthy eating and lifestyle choices play a role in your overall well-being.
Budget is an important consideration for many when choosing the foods they eat. Many believe that healthy eating habits come with a high price tag, but small adjustments can make healthy eating more economical.
Habits like drinking water instead of sugary drinks and cooking at home can save money. Following a healthy diet does not mean giving up all one’s favorite foods but consuming them in moderation.
“Stopping the habit of overeating can be one of the biggest savings you can make in terms of calories and dollars,” said Michaela Kruse, Carle Health Registered Dietitian.
Many patients are pleasantly surprised when they leave their sessions with Carle Health dietitians with new knowledge about how to make healthy decisions without compromising taste.
This was the case for one Carle Health patient from Mahomet, IL. K.S., a patient who worked with Carle Health Dietitian Jackie Comerford. She experienced firsthand the benefits of nutritional guidance. K.S., a lifelong swimmer, faced weight gain after she was no longer able to exercise as she once had due to back and hip surgery.
“I was used to eating lots of carbs and swimming two hours a day. After I couldn’t swim, I was still eating like I was,” said K.S. When her doctor expressed concern about performing a second, necessary back surgery due to her weight, she knew she had to make a change.
“That’s when I started seeing Jackie. She helped me understand that it was not just about the number of calories, but the type of calories was eating.” With the guidance of her nutritionist and the Carb Manager App she had to “learn a whole new way to eat,” K.S. says.
Jean Land, MS, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist states that a common nutritional misconception is the idea of following a healthy diet means dropping your favorite meals and foods.
“A lot of patients believe that seeing a Certified Dietitian involves getting a strict list of things they should avoid, which can be frustrating before they even begin,” Land explains. Dietitians recommend balance and moderation, assisting people in incorporating their favorite food in a way that supports their health objectives.
To manage chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, gastrointestinal disorder, a proper diet is essential. According to Kruse, by adopting an early customed approach to diet, people can lower their odds of developing these conditions and enhance their general health.
“Want to do even more?” Kruse questions. “Eat your legumes. Aim for at least three servings a week of beans, peas, and lentils. Not only do these foods provide essential nutrients and a lean source of protein, but they are very inexpensive.”
Land also recommends Medical Nutrition therapy (MNT), which is provided by Registered Dietitians at Carle Health, who collaborate closely with patients to create meal plans and strategies that are customized to meet their individual needs and lifestyles.
Between September and December 2024, K.S. lost 50 pounds, making it possible for her to undergo her surgery. With the help of the Carle team, she is in physical therapy and rehab, continuing her new dietary approach to support her recovery.
“My doctor was very pleased, and the hip doctor was very pleased. I’m now doing PT and rehab. And I’m still eating this way because I have another upcoming hip surgery. Less weight to carry around makes recovery easier.”
Patients can connect with Carle Health Registered Dietitians at many locations throughout the Carle Health system.
For more nutrition information and resources at Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Whether you are managing a chronic condition or looking to improve your diet, healthy eating and lifestyle choices play a role in your overall well-being.
Budget is an important consideration for many when choosing the foods they eat. Many believe that healthy eating habits come with a high price tag, but small adjustments can make healthy eating more economical.
Habits like drinking water instead of sugary drinks and cooking at home can save money. Following a healthy diet does not mean giving up all one’s favorite foods but consuming them in moderation.
“Stopping the habit of overeating can be one of the biggest savings you can make in terms of calories and dollars,” said Michaela Kruse, Carle Health Registered Dietitian.
Many patients are pleasantly surprised when they leave their sessions with Carle Health dietitians with new knowledge about how to make healthy decisions without compromising taste.
This was the case for one Carle Health patient from Mahomet, IL. K.S., a patient who worked with Carle Health Dietitian Jackie Comerford. She experienced firsthand the benefits of nutritional guidance. K.S., a lifelong swimmer, faced weight gain after she was no longer able to exercise as she once had due to back and hip surgery.
“I was used to eating lots of carbs and swimming two hours a day. After I couldn’t swim, I was still eating like I was,” said K.S. When her doctor expressed concern about performing a second, necessary back surgery due to her weight, she knew she had to make a change.
“That’s when I started seeing Jackie. She helped me understand that it was not just about the number of calories, but the type of calories was eating.” With the guidance of her nutritionist and the Carb Manager App she had to “learn a whole new way to eat,” K.S. says.
Jean Land, MS, Registered Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist states that a common nutritional misconception is the idea of following a healthy diet means dropping your favorite meals and foods.“A lot of patients believe that seeing a Certified Dietitian involves getting a strict list of things they should avoid, which can be frustrating before they even begin,” Land explains. Dietitians recommend balance and moderation, assisting people in incorporating their favorite food in a way that supports their health objectives.
To manage chronic conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, gastrointestinal disorder, a proper diet is essential. According to Kruse, by adopting an early customed approach to diet, people can lower their odds of developing these conditions and enhance their general health.
“Want to do even more?” Kruse questions. “Eat your legumes. Aim for at least three servings a week of beans, peas, and lentils. Not only do these foods provide essential nutrients and a lean source of protein, but they are very inexpensive.”
Land also recommends Medical Nutrition therapy (MNT), which is provided by Registered Dietitians at Carle Health, who collaborate closely with patients to create meal plans and strategies that are customized to meet their individual needs and lifestyles.
Between September and December 2024, K.S. lost 50 pounds, making it possible for her to undergo her surgery. With the help of the Carle team, she is in physical therapy and rehab, continuing her new dietary approach to support her recovery.“My doctor was very pleased, and the hip doctor was very pleased. I’m now doing PT and rehab. And I’m still eating this way because I have another upcoming hip surgery. Less weight to carry around makes recovery easier.”
Patients can connect with Carle Health Registered Dietitians at many locations throughout the Carle Health system.
For more nutrition information and resources at Carle Health, visit Carle.org.
Categories: Staying Healthy
Tags: Awareness, Dietitian, Food, Health, Month, National, Nutrition