Gretchen Scalpi, RDN

March tip: Unless you live in a tropical climate, you are probably getting pretty tired of winter and anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring! Spring is still a short way off, but you don’t have to wait to get your exercise intentions in gear. The days are getting longer and even though it’s still chilly, March usually offers some opportunities to get out doors for a short walk. Don’t feel like you have to carve out an hour of time to walk …you’ll get health benefits with a 15-20 minute brisk walk. Remember, any exercise you do is better than no exercise at all!

10 Top Reasons Why Consulting a Registered Dietitian Can Benefit You

March 9th is Registered Dietitian Day. Registered Dietitian Day was created by the American Dietetic Association to increase public awareness of registered dietitians as the indispensable providers of nutrition services and to recognize RDs for their commitment to helping people enjoy healthy lives. Registered Dietitians are the most valuable and credible source of timely, scientifically-based nutrition information. In addition to helping individuals with specific medical problems, a registered dietitian can help you sort through nutrition misinformation, learn how to read labels at the supermarket, and discover that healthy cooking is inexpensive. Who can benefit from the services of a Registered Dietitian? Just about anyone, but here is our top 10 list:

• Someone with diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure who needs to change their eating habits.
• Someone who is thinking of having (or has had) weight loss surgery and needs balanced nutrition in smaller portions.
• Someone with digestive problems who needs to learn what foods could aggravate their condition.
• A woman who is pregnant or trying to get pregnant, and needs to learn about good nutrition, especially getting enough folate.
• A mother who needs guidance for breastfeeding her baby as well as how to get enough iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins.
• A teenager who has food issues or needs to learn how to eat healthfully.
• Someone who needs to lose weight with a healthy, sensible weight control plan.
• A caregiver for an aging parent who needs help with handling special diets, proper hydration or changing taste buds.
• Anyone who wants to eat and cook smarter for themselves and their family.
• Anyone who wants to improve their performance in sports.

The 2010 Dietary Guidelines Finally Released

Yes it’s 2011, but the 2010 Dietary Guidelines were just officially released in late January. The Dietary Guidelines for Americans generally are updated every five years and traditionally used as the basis for healthy eating recommendations for the the general population. The 2010 guidelines come at a time of rising concern about the health of the American population. Poor nutrition and lack of physical activity are now regarded as the primary contributing factors to the epidemic of obesity affecting both adults and children. While many of the guidelines are unchanged, the most notable change is the recommendation to lower sodium:

• Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams and further reduce intake to 1,500 mg among persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease. (The 1,500 mg recommendation applies to about half of the U.S. population, including children, and the majority of adults).

Given the fact that most Americans consume much more than 2300 mg already, a further sodium reduction is going to be even more of a challenge. The quickest way to reduce your sodium intake is to cut down on processed foods and fast food. Eating food without the addition of salt at the table is another way. Want more ideas? Read Gretchen’s article on one good way to reduce your salt consumption.

A referral from you is the best compliment…
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Gretchen Scalpi is an author, consultant, speaker and Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist and a Health & Wellness Coach. She opened her private nutrition practice in 2002. Gretchen’s practice provides individual nutritional counseling in the areas of diabetes, weight management, food sensitivities, gastrointestinal disorders, and general wellness.

Clients receive online weight management advice, regular coaching and guidance every week. To learn more visit Gretchen’s website.