News from Wheeler

Violet Pastorkova-Jaouen, RDN, CD-N has joined Wheeler’s Family Health & Wellness Center as a registered dietitian nutritionist . Violet comes with 18 years of nutrition and 24 years of dietetic experience, including providing nutritional assessments, education, and counsleing to a broad range of patients with varied diseases and conditions.

We all know Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) can be a game-changer for weight management and chronic disease control. But did you know it offers a treasure trove of benefits that extend far beyond the typical reasons people seek it out? As a registered dietitian, I am here to shed light on the hidden gems of nutrition education.

Fiber is an underappreciated super food. Not only does fiber aid in digestion and gastrointestinal health, it is also linked with reducing the risk of developing chronic disease, assist in weight loss, and help lower blood sugar.

As the temperature and humidity drops, viruses may spread more easily. Having a strong immune system can keep you feeling good all winter. Learn several lifestyle factors that can help to keep your immune system strong.

Looking to add some variety and flavor to your meals? Take a walk down the spice aisle at your favorite grocery store! Trying different herbs and spices is a great way to introduce new flavors and maybe even boost the nutritional benefit of some of your dishes. A spice is the seed of a plant and can be used whole or ground. An herb is a flower or leaf and can often be found fresh or dried.

June is strawberry season, a favorite time of the year for many New Englanders. This is a great time to increase your fruit and veggie intake. First, because produce may be a little less expensive when in season, and second because produce tastes better when in season!

With food costs rising, healthy eating can be more difficult, and the last thing you want to do is throw food away. Jessica Masterson, RDN, CDN, CDCES, Wheeler's registered dietitian nutritionist, shares tips on how to reduce food waste.

February is Heart Health Month. Heart disease is the cause of 1 in 3 deaths in the United States, and more than 800,000 people die of cardiovascular disease ever year. To reduce your risk of heart disease, it is recommended you follow a heart-healthy diet, exercise, manage stress, do not smoke, and talk to your doctor about your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.

A new year is not the only time to focus on getting healthy, but it is just as good as any. If you have been sticking to your resolutions so far this year, great work! If you have not been as successful as you planned, consider revising your goals. Instead of setting huge goals, which may be difficult to stick with, try setting smaller goals.

When it comes to the holidays, it is important to enjoy the foods you love, like cookies, and continue family traditions. Not every food or recipe needs to be modified to make it “healthier.” I would not recommend you alter your great aunt’s sugar cookie recipe, but if you are looking for a few more health-conscious options to add to your cookie tray this year, below are some great ideas. See the recipes for additional nutrition benefits and tips for cooking with kids.

When it comes to healthy eating during the holidays, I think the most important thing to remember is that all foods can fit into a healthy lifestyle. The holidays only happen once a year, so mindfully enjoy the foods you love and focus on friends and family!