It's National Nutrition Month, Eat Healthy Now and For the Rest of Your Life

With Spring break just around the corner, many people are trying to eat right and get in shape. March is the perfect month to do so as it is National Nutrition Month.

It’s a time when the American Dietetic Association emphasizes the importance of making smart food choices and developing a good diet and exercise routine.  

Antonio Cain, a registered dietitian at Wellness Center says many of his clients come to see him because they want to lose weight. But it all starts with proper nutrition and that is the basis of achieving this goal.

He begins by devising healthy eating plans that include low fat, low sodium, low cholesterol and high fiber foods. Often it also includes a trip to the grocery store. Clients will take a tour through the aisles to learn the ins and outs of healthy grocery shopping on a budget, and learn how to do a healthy pantry makeover. 

A big hurdle is variety.

“Many [clients] say they just get bored with eating the same thing every day and need to know what other healthy food options are out there," Cain says.

Besides grocery store tours and one-hour nutritional consults, DeKalb Medical Wellness Center can help with its variety of nutrition services. Those include an on-going personal nutrition coach who provides motivation and accountability, and nutrition classes.

The Wellness Center dietitians create personal programs combining fitness and nutrition. There are special services available for people with diabetes, cancer and outpatient and bariatric nutrition. 

Children are encouraged to participate in nutritional programs as well. It’s important for good nutrition to start at an early age, so kids make the right choices as they grow up.

Cain says he sees a real positive movement in Decatur.

“Everyone has in some way become more health conscious and is willing in some way to take the appropriate steps to living healthier and more productive lives," he says.

This year’s National Nutrition Month theme is “Eat Right with Color.” The more color variety in your foods the better and it doesn’t mean a bowl of Fruit Loops.

It means mixing fresh colorful veggies, fruits and proteins. Try a salad with leafy greens, tomatoes, carrots, avocados, black beans and oranges. Or fix grilled salmon with pecans, broccoli, wild rice and melon. Get creative and have fun with it!

For more information about DeKalb Medical Wellness Center Nutrition Services call 404.501.5415 or go to www.DeKalbMedical.org.