Registered Dietitian Day
Regardless of age, gender, or health status, one thing we all have in common is food. Not only do we need to eat to stay alive, but what and how we eat can have a substantial effect on how we feel and function. As part of National Nutrition Month, March 11 is Registered Dietitian Day, an opportunity to recognize the expert professionals who help us learn about proper nutrition and also apply those healthy lessons in our daily lives.
Beyond their broad knowledge of general nutrition, registered dietitians (RDs) can also play an important role in management of specific diseases. Diet modification is often a key consideration in disease management, as the body may have a harder time processing certain nutrients. Whether patients need to reduce their salt intake to counter heart disease, or learn to count carbohydrates for better diabetes management, an RD is equipped to teach, plan, and empower patients for better health.
Some Residential Home Health Care Teams include specialized RD services as applicable, and at the Home Health Blog, we’ve been lucky to have one of our experts share her knowledge and skills. Read on for valuable nutrition advice from registered dietitian Laura, and revisit some recipes she’s shared with us in the past.
Laura’s Nutrition Tip
With spring right around the corner, an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables will soon be in season. At the grocery store, an expenditure you may debate is whether to ‘splurge’ on organic produce.
When weighing the decision to buy organic, the primary concern is how much residue remains from pesticides and chemicals used in the growing process. If these concentrations are high, buying organic is recommended. The lists below show fruits and vegetables that should be bought organic due to high concentrations of chemicals and pesticides (left), as well as produce that typically does not have such high concentrations, and does not necessarily need to be organic (right).
| Buy Organic | Non-Organic OK |
| Apple | Cantaloupe |
| Peach | Grapefruit |
| Nectarine | Kiwi |
| Strawberry | Pineapple |
| Blueberry | Mango |
| Celery | Papaya |
| Cucumber | Avocado |
| Grape Tomato | Onion |
| Sweet Bell Pepper | Cabbage |
| Hot Pepper | Cauliflower |
| Spinach | Asparagus |
| Kale | Sweet Corn |
| Collard Greens | Sweet Potato |
| White Potato |
Healthy Recipes
Laura’s healthy recipe from the month of January is a rustic but simple one-dish meal that can be ready in less than an hour. What’s more, the proportions of protein, fat, and carbohydrates are right in line with American Diabetes Association guidelines.
This hearty dish from February cuts the salt and fat for better heart health without sacrificing flavor. Laura’s instructions also include several handy modifications and topping options to satisfy many different tastes.
No matter what your health challenge may be, Residential Home Health offers a range of services to help you work toward your health goals safely at home. Call (888)930-WELL (9355) to discuss your specific situation with a Home Care Specialist today, or click here to take our Home Care Assessment.
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