Grundy County Memorial Hospital | Live Well | Fall 2019

Nutrition corner Standard U.S. Postage PAID Grundy County Memorial Hospital 201 E. J Ave. Grundy Center, IA 50638 Information in LIVE WELL comes from a wide range of medical experts. If you have any concerns or questions about specific content that may affect your health, please contact your health care provider. Models may be used in photos and illustrations. 2019 © Coffey Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. Adam Scherling Administrator Keely Harken Communication & Foundation Program Manager Newsletter Editor Crystal Petersen Wellness Program Manager LIVE WELL is published as a community service for the residents of the service area of Grundy County Memorial Hospital, 201 East J Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638, grundycountyhospital.org, 319-824-5421 Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD By Crystal Petersen, RDN, LD Eating regular meals versus grazing through your day and evening has proven health benefits. Adults who eat at scheduled mealtimes are more likely to be at a healthy weight. The same goes for children and teens. Research shows that family mealtimes positively impact school performance for your children. While summer’s relaxed schedules may have led to relaxed eating patterns, you can begin this school year by making regular meals a priority. Here are simple ways to begin. You can also find recipes and meal plans on the hospital’s Facebook page. 1 Start simple by eat- ing what you eat now. “Cluster” or group the foods you eat most into scheduled mealtimes and sit-down snacks. Gradually work on increasing food variety and improving the health ben- efits of food you provide. 2 Reward yourself by making meals that you enjoy. Eating foods you like will provide an incentive for you to keep at your new, healthier mealtime habit! 3 Get help. Work together to set the table or make the salad. Then clean up together in a flash! Send your teen to do the shopping—using your grocery list, of course. 4 Have fun by using themes to determine your menu or build themes into your weekly meal routine. Italian Mondays or Stir Fry Fridays are examples that can keep the meal routine enjoyable. Time and busy sched- ules interfere with regular meals. Check out these ideas to be more efficient: ●   ● Prep for the fol- lowing day as part of the evening clean-up process, since you are already in the kitchen. ●   ● Double recipes or use leftovers for future meals. ●   ● Keep a sink of hot soapy water and clean utensils and cookware as you go. ●   ● Purchase pre- washed, cut-up fruits and vegetables. Help! How do you return to ‘regular’ meals?