Polk County nutritionist at Central Florida Health Care shares how he helps patients make smarter food choices.

Okay, it’s time to be honest.  When you put food on your plate, does half of your meal consist of fruits and vegetables?  If you answered “no” to this question, you’re not alone.  In fact, more than 90 percent of both adults and children need help making smarter nutrition choices because they do not eat the amount of daily recommended fruits and vegetables, according to the Produce for Better Health Foundation, a CDC collaboration. 
In September, you might hear about the benefits of eating fruits and vegetables because it is National Fruits & Veggies—More Matters month.  But hearing about it doesn’t make it any easier to actually consume the recommended amount.  That’s why, here at Central Florida Health Care, Inc., we help our patients and their families all year ’round with nutrition needs (not just when it’s an awareness topic).

In fact, there are five ways we help our patients make smarter nutrition choices:

1. We provide counseling, education, and wellness guidance for your nutritional needs. Our medical team is made up of people with busy schedules, families, and financial obligations too, so we understand the challenges of making healthy food choices.  Most importantly, we have the knowledge to help you overcome the hurdles that are hindering your fruit and vegetable intake.
2. We can create individualized meal plans. Are you low on iron?  Do you need more potassium?  What about calcium?  With our individualized meal plans, we can help you fill in the gaps to consume those key nutrients and get healthier.
3. We offer cholesterol management weight loss. For those who suffer from LDL (the “bad” cholesterol), being overweight might be a main point of concern.  When it comes to this dual challenge of losing weight and lowering cholesterol, we have step-by-step solutions to help you achieve better health.
4. When it comes to Diabetes, nutrition choices are vital. We help you with the unique challenges posed by Type 2 diabetes.  You can gain control of your sugar levels, and our one-on-one planning and guidance will fully support you every step of the way.
5. Last, but not least, come attend our monthly Teaching Kitchen. As part of our service to the community, we offer an innovative free monthly class to help you take positive steps towards a more balanced diet.  This interactive learning opportunity is typically held on the first Thursday of every month at our Women & Children’s Center in Winter Haven. During the class, you can learn more about things like serving sizes, recipe preparation, healthy eating while dining out, and much more.

For over 46 years, Central Florida Health Care has been providing high quality, compassionate care to the Polk, Highlands, and Hardee communities. Then and now, your health and well-being is our highest priority. For more information on our 14 locations, the services we offer, or to schedule your appointment, call (866) 234-8534 or visit our website at cfhconline.org.
CREDIT
by RONALD LUND
This column is sponsored by Central Florida Health Care, Inc. and the opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of CFHN or of its advertisers.
BIO: Ronald Lund is a Registered and Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist at Central Florida Health Care, Inc. serving patients at all locations in Polk, Highlands, and Hardee counties.  To make an appointment, please call (866) 234-8534.