Chad Markham, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) | Chief Operations Officer | St. Anthony Memorial Hospital
Chad Markham, Chief Executive Officer (Interim) | Chief Operations Officer | St. Anthony Memorial Hospital
With summer events like fairs, picnics, and barbecues in full swing, experts from HSHS Medical Group Nutrition and Dietetics are offering practical advice for maintaining healthy eating habits during the season.
Tracy Dennis, a registered dietitian, advises preparing as much food as possible at home before heading out. "Before heading out, prepare as much of the food as possible at home and keep it cold or frozen until just before leaving. This gives you control over ingredients and portions before you're faced with tempting food options.”
For outdoor meals, Adrienne Jarrell, also a registered dietitian, suggests packing foods that hold up well in warm weather. “Good choices are fresh firm vegetables (raw or cooked), chopped fruit, whole grains, pasta salad, beans, and trail mix." These foods provide energy and nutrients while being less likely to spoil in the heat.
When attending fairs or similar gatherings where traditional foods can be high in calories or fat, Dennis and Jarrell recommend grilled meats such as chicken or kebabs, along with fresh fruits and vegetables. Foods like corn on the cob or roasted nuts are also suggested. They add that sharing larger portions can help limit overeating and encourage drinking water to stay hydrated.
Dennis recommends bringing cut-up vegetables to gatherings to promote healthier snacking. “They're low in calories, high in nutrients, and they'll help keep you from eating too many chips," she says. Serving vegetables with hummus or yogurt-based dips is suggested to make these options more appealing.
HSHS Medical Group’s registered dietitians offer medical nutrition therapy for individuals looking to achieve health goals or manage chronic conditions. Services include personalized nutrition assessments and custom plans. Both referrals from healthcare providers and self-referrals are accepted for consultations; insurance coverage is available for many patients.
More information about services provided by HSHS Medical Group Nutrition and Dietetics can be found by calling 217-391-5454.
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