When it comes to nutrition, we often talk about what is on our plate and how we can make better choices for improving our overall health. But, there are also considerations ‘beyond the table’, and that is our focus in March as we recognize National Nutrition Month.
WMCC registered dietitian Ashleigh Walter is fascinated with the impactful role nutrition can have during and after cancer treatment. She works to help WMCC patients feel better and stronger while fighting cancer through good nutrition. She also offers patients a game plan for managing unfavorable side effects. “I am so excited to share these resources with patients and their families over the next month”, said Walter. “I’m excited to demonstrate the tremendous benefits of meeting with a dietitian as people navigate their cancer journey.”
This month, Walter has prepared informational handouts for patients and their families to take home and read as they gather in the kitchen to prepare meals. The handouts can be found on each floor of our center. So, if you have an upcoming appointment, be sure to visit one of our information tables and take copies. You will find a wealth of information about nutrition that goes ‘beyond the table’.
Week 1 Focus – Eating Right on a Budget
Getting the most nutrition for your food budget starts with a little extra planning before you shop. Read more about the budget friendly tips for eating right.
Week 2 Focus—Meeting with a Registered Dietitian (RD)
Getting the most nutrition for your food budget starts with a little extra planning before you shop. Read more about the budget friendly tips for eating right.
Week 3 Focus—Eating a Variety of Foods from All Food Groups
Have you heard of MyPlate? It’s a great visual from the USDA that shows recommended portion sizes on a plate from the five major food groups. Take a look, here:
Also, here are some smart snacking tips for adults and teens
Week 4 Focus—Eating With the Environment in Mind
Eating with the environment in mind focuses on enjoying more plant based and plant forward meals. It also can mean shopping for foods that are in season, starting a garden, and learning how to reduce our food waste. One way that we ‘eat with the environment in mind’, here at WMCC is through our Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program. Through this program, we partner with a local farmer to provide fresh, locally-grown produce to our participants at no cost to them. If you are interested in this program, keep an eye out for more information coming soon.
Registered Dietitian
