Healthy Eats at the Amusement Park

With warmer weather approaching quickly, summer is soon to be in full swing. These seasonal changes will bring with them summer activities and adventures. Trips to amusement parks can be a fun way to spend time with friends and family, but they can also be intimidating for people looking to consume healthy meals and snacks while they are there. Here are some tips for having a trip to the amusement park full of both fun and nutritious foods. 

Scout it Out 

Keep your eyes open while walking through the park. Many stands will offer at least one nutritious option. You can also get creative by sneaking in extra vegetable or fruit servings with sides, salads, or sandwich toppings. 

Bring Your Own Snacks 

Before leaving the house for the day, make sure to eat a healthy and balanced breakfast to keep you energized for the day. Then, pack some nutritious snacks to bring with you to the amusement park. Some easily portable ideas are fruits, vegetables, and nuts. This will save you both money and time as well, because you will not have to purchase as much food there or wait in long lines at stands. 

Sip Smart 

Drinking plenty of fluids is important to avoid dehydration while walking all day under the hot sun. Opting for water will keep you the most hydrated and be a healthy alternative to other options. To save money, bring reusable water bottles to refill and take with you throughout the day. 

Moderation is Key 

Set a plan for eating before heading to the park to avoid constant snack requests. Bring or find nutritious options to keep your group satisfied. However, occasional treats are also part of the fun. Consuming them in moderation is a great way to enjoy some of your favorite park foods while also feeling good for the day. Saving treats for later in the day and sitting down to enjoy them helps balance nutrition and keeps the focus on fun. 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/planning/away-from-home/healthy-eats-at-the-amusement-park 

Make a Fresh Start with Spring Foods

Spring is the perfect time to hit the reset button after a long, cold winter. So much so that the famous phrase "spring cleaning" was created. However, "spring cleaning" can involve more than just cleaning your home! Rather, spring is a great time to reintroduce fresh produce into your diet. Foods such as spinach, beets, strawberries, and even asparagus are great examples. 

Spinach is packed full of vitamins A and K, which are essential for eye and bone health. Moreover, spinach also contains vitamin C, which supports immune health. Additionally, spinach contains minerals such as folate, iron, magnesium, and potassium. Folate and iron help prevent certain types of anemia, while magnesium and potassium are critical for muscle development and growth. 

Beets are great sources of folate and are also a good source of dietary fiber. Even beet greens have their place in our diet! Cooked beet greens are an excellent source of vitamins A and K, and minerals such as potassium and magnesium. However, beets are commonly considered the "most-hated" vegetable, but this stigma can change by preparing them in tasty ways. For example, roasted beets can be served hot or cold and provide a touch of sweetness. 

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits. Fortunately, strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and manganese, which is important for bone development. Strawberries are also a good source of dietary fiber. Unlike beets, strawberries are popular among many populations. You can try strawberries alone, in a fruit salad, in a green salad, or with yogurt! 

The last food is asparagus, which is a great source of bone-building vitamin K and folate. Moreover, asparagus provides a good amount of vitamin A and iron. Asparagus can be prepared and used in many fun and creative ways. For example, different colored asparagus varieties can be fun to eat or paired with many different kinds of foods. Moreover, asparagus makes the perfect side dish for dinner when roasted with a little bit of olive oil and flavored with some salt and pepper! 

These four spring-inspired foods can be fun and nutritious additions to your diet. They share many nutritional similarities and can be easily paired with other foods to create nutrient-dense snacks, sides, or even meals! 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/food/food-preparation/seasonal-foods/make-a-fresh-start-with-spring-foods 

10 Reasons to See an RDN

    Want help developing a safe, realistic, and creative meal plan or grocery shopping list? Want to discuss mindful eating habits? Registered dietitian nutritionists (RDNs) have completed a series of academic requirements established by the Accreditation Council for Education in Nutrition and Dietetics. In short, RDNs must earn a minimum of a graduate degree, complete supervised practice at different locations, pass a rigorous exam, and gain education credits throughout their career. RDNs may also obtain a certification in a specialized field.

    Ten common reasons to consult an RDN include the following: 

• - Consideration of gastric bypass surgery 

• - Experience of digestive problems 

• - Pregnancy, hope of becoming pregnant, entry into parenthood 

• - Food allergy, intolerance, or sensitivity 

• - You or a family member is experiencing disordered eating 

• - Responsibility of caring for an aging parent 

• - Want of practical lifestyle advice 

• - Improvement in sports 

• - Responsibility of feeding and cooking for a family 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/health/wellness/healthful-habits/10-reasons-to-see-an-rdn 

National Nutrition Month

Join in the celebration of National Nutrition Month! In 1973, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created this campaign which is celebrated in March each year. The campaign promotes informed food choices as well as healthy eating and physical activity habits. 

The theme for 2025 is “Food Connects Us.” Food is able to connect cultures, families, and friends. There are stories behind meals. For example, where were the ingredients from and by whom were the ingredients prepared by? A person’s relationship with food can be impacted by many factors such as memories, health, traditions, seasons, and access. The foods a person chooses to eat then affect his or her health.  

Registered Dietitian Nutritionists (RDNs) and Nutrition and Dietetics Technicians, Registered (NDTRs) help people understand how foods eaten by individuals and communities affect their health in the short-term and the long-term.  

 

Source: https://www.eatright.org/national-nutrition-month