Nutrition Matters

A column by Raina Childers,  MS, RD, LD Director of Nutritional Services at HealthPoint Plaza in Cape Girardeau Check out these other columns Start Your New Year Off Right Power up Your Plate

March is National Nutrition Month

This year’s  campaignis “100% Fad Free.” At HealthPoint Fitness, we are proud of our commitment to health improvement for the long term, not for quick fixes. Please take to heart the following key messages for 2007!

• Develop an eating plan for lifelong health. Too often people adopt the latest fad rather than focusing on overall health. Get back to basics.

• Choose food sensibly by looking at the big picture. A single food or meal does not make or break a healthful diet. When consumed in moderation in the appropriate portion size, all foods can fit into a healthful diet.

• Find your balance between food and physical activity. Regular physical activity is important to overall health and fitness.

• Food and nutrition misinformation can have harmful effects on your health and well being, as well as your wallet.

Registered Dietitians are uniquely qualified to communicate current and emerging science-based nutrition information and can be an instrumental part of developing a plan that meets your individual needs.

Check out this website during National Nutrition Month, www.eatright.org, and get to know your resources at HealthPoint Fitness. Your friendly neighborhood dietitians are ready and waiting to help you reach your goals.

Raina and Mary Etta Dunaway wish you all Healthy Eating this month and always.

FOOD FACTS

Did you ever wonder what you favorite fast-food meal consists of? Well, here you go...

McDonalds

• Quarter Pounder with cheese: 530 calories, 30 grams of fat
• Large fries: 540 calories, 26 grams of fat
• 16 oz Coke: 150 calories, 40 grams of sugar

Taco Bell

• 1 taco: 170 calories, 4 grams of fat

• Taco salad with salsa: 790 calories, 15 grams fat