By Judy Dodd, MS, RD, LDN, Giant Eagle® Food and Nutrition Advisor
Trends and predictions for the future seem to be hot topics this time of the year. The nutrition team at Giant Eagle® has our own list of “hot” food and nutrition topics and tips for you, our customers.
Time and money continue to have an effect on lifestyles. Yes, it is possible to have health-smart eating that respects both time and budgets!
- Take time to plan. Check out the Giant Eagle® weekly sale items; plan to fit the “special” into your meals; and use your Giant Eagle Advantage Card® and coupons.
Plan meals that are cold weather and budget friendly. Chili, stew, hearty soups, and anything with beans can be made in bulk to freeze for another meal. Need ideas? Contact nutrition@gianteagle.com for slow-cooker and soup meal ideas.
Based on the latest research these are guidelines for heath-smart eating. Here is a preview of what you will be hearing (and know these are tips covered in our Giant Eagle® nutrition classes and personal counseling sessions with our registered dietitians).
- Whole grains and foods with fiber (like grains, fruits and vegetables) will rule! Don’t confuse fiber with the quest for whole grains, there is a difference. It is true that a whole grain will provide more naturally occurring fiber than a similar grain that has been refined. Why the fiber? This is a part of food that helps give you the feeling of being satisfied without the calories and is useful in helping to control blood levels of glucose (sugar) and cholesterol. There is also the benefit of “regularity," that is the part of fiber you heard about from your grandmother? The whole or the grain is a nutrient rich component removed in processing. Studies indicate we need those nutrients!
- Sodium, added sugars and saturated fats will be on the lists of ingredients to moderate. You may already have seen products that are reduced in sodium.
Tip: Learn to use herbs and spices and make sure your home supply is updated!
As for the added sugar, there are some great replacement products already available including some that just hit the market in the last few months. Your Giant Eagle® registered dietitian can help you make the choices that fit your health and wallet needs.
Food safety is a part of the 2011 US Dietary Guidelines as well as an important health-smart discussion point. From the field, to the Giant Eagle® to your table, there are guidelines to follow. More will come on this key point but in the meantime, check out the temperature in your refrigerator.
All of these points will be explored in 2011 in upcoming Meal Books. But if you have questions now, contact nutrition@gianteagle.com for a personalized answer or a referral to one of our in-store Registered Dietitians.
Important Physician Advice Disclaimer: The content provided by Giant Eagle®, including but not limited to, Web site, recipe and health information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Consult your physician for professional guidance before changing or undertaking a new diet program. Advance consultation with your physician is particularly important if you are under the age of 18, pregnant, nursing, or have health problems.
February 2011