Medical Nutrition Care

Medical Nutrition Care in Elizabeth, NJ

Over the past century, essential nutrient deficiencies have dramatically decreased but chronic diet-related diseases have risen. In USA more than two-thirds of adults and nearly one-third of children and youth are overweight or obese. About half of all adults have one or more chronic diseases, many of which are related to poor quality eating patterns and physical inactivity. Nutrition plays a vital role in the prevention of many of chronic diseases such as coronary heart disease, hypertension, type II diabetes, cancers, and poor bone health.

Healthy Eating Patterns

The ‘Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2015-2020 (8th Ed.)’ recommend:

  • Follow a healthy eating pattern across the lifespan. All food and beverage choices matter. Choose a healthy eating pattern at an appropriate calorie level to help achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, support nutrient adequacy, and reduce the risk of chronic disease;
  • Focus on variety, nutrient density, and amount. To meet nutrient needs within calorie limits, choose a variety of nutrient-dense foods across and within all food groups in recommended amounts;
  • Limit calories from added sugars and saturated fats and reduce sodium intake. Consume an eating pattern low in added sugars, saturated fats, and sodium. Cut back on foods and beverages higher in these components to amounts that fit within healthy eating patterns;
  • Shift to healthier food and beverage choices. Choose nutrient-dense foods and beverages across and within all food groups in place of less healthy choices. Consider cultural and personal preferences to make these shifts easier to accomplish and maintain;
  • Support healthy eating patterns for all. Everyone has a role in helping to create and support healthy eating patterns in multiple settings nationwide, from home to school to work to communities.

A healthy eating pattern includes:

  • A variety of vegetables from all of the subgroups—dark green, red and orange, legumes (beans and peas), starchy, and other;
  • Fruits, especially whole fruits;
  • Grains, at least half of which are whole grains;
  • Fat-free or low-fat dairy, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and/or fortified soy beverages;
  • A variety of protein foods, including seafood, lean meats and poultry, eggs, legumes (beans and peas), and nuts, seeds, and soy products;
  • Oils.

A healthy eating pattern limits:

  • Saturated fats and trans fats, added sugars, and sodium.

Registered Dietitians in the Nutrition & Health Center also provide other medical nutritional care at different medical conditions like:

To learn more about how Medical Nutrition Care can make a difference in your life.
Contact Nutrition & Health Center in Elizabeth NJ at (908) 469-9440 for a consultation.

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