The Nashville District Dietetic Association is an advocate for Nashville dietitians and the rest of the dietetic profession serving the public through the promotion of optimal nutrition, health and well-being.
Dining with a Dietitian
Where do Dietitians eat in Nashville? Consult this PDF to find the healthier options in Nashville area restaurants.
Fruits and Veggies
Fruits & Veggies Matter
Visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov, produced by the Department of Health & Human Services.
Here you will find recipes to include your fruits and veggies at least five times each day, why fruits & veggies are important, what counts as a serving and more.
Pick Your Own Fruits and Veggies
Visit www.picktnproducts.org which is developed by the Tennessee Department of Agriculture.
This website tells you which fruits and veggies are in season, what farms you can visit and various events happening throughout the year.
Farmer’s Market
Located at 900 Rosa Parks Blvd in Nashville, 880-2001
www.nashvillefarmersmarket.org .
Open Monday – Sunday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Market House is a free wireless internet hotspot.
Their salad bar is now open.
Organic Produce
Visit www.foodnews.org for the list of the top fruits and veggies to buy organic.
Carb Confusion
Thankfully, low-carb diets are falling by the wayside as many individuals are returning to balanced meals that include healthy carbohydrates. However, knowing what healthy carbs are may still be a little confusing to some.
Healthy carbs include foods that provide fiber such as vegetables, whole fruits, beans, and whole grains. Fiber delays digestion and absorption, preventing the quick rise in blood sugar typical after eating foods with refined carbohydrates or too much sugar. Frequent spikes in blood sugar levels have been linked to diabetes.
When choosing grains, select cereals that contain at least 3 grams of fiber per serving and breads that provide 2 grams of fiber or more. All vegetables make great choices; however, potatoes, corn, and peas should be eaten less frequently since they tend to have a greater impact on blood sugar when compared to other vegetables. Opt for whole fruits rather than juices since juicing removes the fiber naturally found in fruits. All varieties of beans and lentils are excellent because not only do they provide healthy carbs, they are also a significant source of protein.
Lauren Petr, MS, RD
New Healthy Eating Toolkit Available for Dietitians
America On the Move (AOM), with support from Nestle's Lean Cuisine, has developed a Healthcare Professional (HCP) Toolkit for dietitians, physicians, and nurse practitioners to use in helping educate patients in the balance of healthy eating and active living.
According to AOM, the HCP Toolkit provides downloadable materials that will help your patients understand the importance of energy balance, the link between obesity and health concerns, and the long-term benefits of making wise food and activity choices.
You can view and download the entire toolkit online at www.americaonthemove.org under the section for Health Professionals. You do have to be registered to download, but registration is free, quick, and easy.
