The Nutritionist is happy to answer your questions about nutrition and healthy eating. There is no question too simple or too hard to answer, and you would be surprised how many Vermonters have the same questions as you! Also, if you have a suggestion or idea of something you would like to see on the Eat For Health website, use the link below to let the Nutritionist know!
*Important Disclaimer: The information provided by our nutritionist is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, prevent any disease or give medical advice. Always consult your family doctor before starting or changing your personal health regimen.
Here are some recent responses
Q. I want my children to eat more fruits and
vegetables, but they just want to eat macaroni and cheese and cans of soup.
How can I get them to eat more healthy things?
--Jane from Brattleboro**
**names have been changed
A. Many parents face this same struggle. Parents often want their kids to
eat healthier but kids are less open to trying new foods.
Try adding color and nutrients to macaroni and cheese with frozen broccoli, carrots, and peas. When making soup for your kids don’t be afraid to toss in a couple handfuls of frozen vegetables when the soup is heating on the stove or in the microwave.
Make homemade soup and turn it into a family event! It is easy and costs less than buying canned soups. Try some of the recipes here. Have kids help pick what foods will go into the soup and have them stir the pot while it is cooking. Giving children tasks at meal time, whether it’s tossing the salad, pouring drinks or stirring a pot, makes them more involved in the meal and more willing to try new foods.
Make family meals an enjoyable time. Parents can offer a variety of foods in a pleasant environment and set a good example by eating a variety of foods and trying new dishes. Sometimes kids need to be exposed to foods several times before they will give them a try.
Q. My family loves nothing more than a big Sunday
breakfast of pancakes, eggs and sausage, but we want to eat healthier. How
can we change this while still having an enjoyable meal together?
--Joe from Plainfield
A. Eating healthy doesn’t mean giving up favorite meals as a family.
There are many ways to turn a big breakfast into a healthy meal. Try using
unsweetened frozen berries as a topping for pancakes and French toast. Use
margarines that are low in saturated and trans fats and use a light maple
syrup substitutes and always watch how much you use.
Eggs are a breakfast staple and are a great source of protein. Try using just egg whites or egg substitutes. Omelets can be filled with colorful, healthy vegetables instead of high fat meats. Use nonstick pans or no-calorie cooking spray instead of butter in the pans.
To cut back on fat, try turkey sausage, or low-fat, lean sausage. Turkey bacon instead of pork bacon is also a good substitute.
If you eat a bigger breakfast, you can try to eat a smaller lunch on Sundays. It’s great that your family has traditions and you don’t have to change them in your quest for healthy eating. Try adding a family walk after breakfast, and enjoy your time together!