Working in the medical field and specifically in dietetics, we are bombarded on a daily basis with nutrition information.
With daily discussions on the broad topic of nutrition, we gather opinions from patients, employees and family members and try to share our best advice with everyone. Throughout the years, each of us have tried a variety of approaches to what we consider healthy eating and having healthy lifestyles (for the most part). I have made some discoveries along the way that I would like to share with you in a series of short articles. Today's focuses on curveballs.
New year, new me, right? Should we take everyone's grand new diet changes and make them our own? Not necessarily. There is no one perfect meal plan for every person in the world to follow; simply altering nutrition aspects (diet and exercise) to fit us is what is best. Life changes and throws us curveballs. It is inevitable. When you are trying your best to follow a healthy eating pattern and find yourself falling short, I strongly encourage you to take a deep breath and do whatever you can to make it work for you.
Stop and remember this: If you are even thinking about making positive dietary changes, you are one step ahead from when nutrition was not on your radar. Progress is progress.
If your best on a crazy busy evening means stopping at the drive through to pick up a quick bite for you and your family, choose the best items possible and get over it. If you can, take it home and add a fruit or veggie as a side. Start fresh the next meal. We need to remember to roll with the punches and be aware that we cannot be perfect.
I am sharing a recipe that you can make as is, or shake it up with other nuts and/or dried fruit of your liking. In our house, we like to make this in large batches to always have available. You can eat it as is or add it to yogurt.
Denise Coots, RD, LD, CNSC is the clinical nutrition coordinator at SSM Health, St. Mary's Hospital in Jefferson City. She has a passion for helping others ranging from those patients in the intensive care unit to individuals in the community with various dietary issues.