
Between what we hear on TV and read in the news or the internet, healthy eating can become very confusing —but it doesn’t have to be. Registered dietitians can help you navigate through nutrition information and provide sound, safe and personalized nutrition advice.
Who are dietitians?
Registered dietitians are health professionals who have a university degree from an accredited university program and hundreds of hours of supervised training. They are regulated nutrition health professionals, meaning they are accountable to a regulatory body and have to keep their skills up-to-date. They use the best available scientific evidence to provide guidance and recommendations to clients or communities according to their unique values and circumstances.
Help manage chronic disease: If you have chronic illness such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, cancer or kidney disease, a dietitian can help you manage these diseases by tailoring a healthy eating plan that is right for you.
Guidance navigating food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances: Managing food allergies, sensitivities and intolerances can be very challenging. A dietitian can help you ensure your diet remains nutritionally adequate even if you have to restrict certain foods.
Nutrition guidance for expectant and breastfeeding women: Expecting and breastfeeding moms may have particular nutritional needs during this exciting time. A dietitian can help guide you through healthy food choices.
Feeding your baby or toddler: A dietitian may also be able to help with ensuring your baby or toddler is getting all the nutrition he or she needs. Whether you are raising vegetarian child or have a picky eater, dietitians can guide you with sound advice and practical ideas for providing optimum nutrition for the growth and well-being of your little ones.
Menu planning for busy families, physically active lifestyles and budget conscious individuals: Whatever your nutritional needs are, a dietitian can help you make sound decisions around healthy eating tailored to your needs.
A dietitian can also help you make food fun and interesting by providing meal, snack and recipe ideas for all tastes, appetites and occasions!
Tip for Healthy School Lunches
School lunches can be a headache for many of us at this time of the year. But remember, by sending a lunch from home with your child daily, you can ensure your child is getting healthy, well-balanced meals and snacks every day.
· When making your child’s lunch, be sure to include foods from all four food groups!
· Get your kids involved with grocery shopping and making their school lunches!
You can access Canada’s food guide at: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-nutrition/canada-food-guide/get-your-copy.html
Example of a lunch that includes all four food groups:
Tuna or egg salad on whole grain wrap, raw veggies, banana, yogurt with water to drink. Include snacks such as nut-free trail mix, homemade mini oatmeal muffins, and whole wheat crackers with cheese string or animal crackers.
You can get more information and idea for school lunches by visiting:
http://www.eatrightontario.ca/en/Articles/School-Health/Articles/Packing-Healthy-School-Lunches-and-Snacks-FAQs.aspx