We’re celebrating National Nutrition Month by raiding the fridges of two of our Registered Dietitians. QMG Registered Dietitian Angie Zanger-Geiselman shares a few of her favorite go-to items. If you’re interested in learning how our Nutrition Services can help you, click here or call us at (217) 222‑6550, ext. 3481.
Kefir
“I once heard Kefir called ‘the champagne of dairy.’ That may be a bit of a stretch, but Kefir does taste like a delicious smoothie. It also contains probiotics and can be beneficial for gut health. Probiotics are the ‘good’ bacteria, like those naturally found in your gut. These active cultures may boost immunity and overall health, especially gut health. Most dietitians prefer that patients get probiotics naturally from foods, such as yogurt, kefir milk or kefir water, miso, or kimchee.
Avocado
“I didn’t eat my first avocado until I was 29. Now I have them several times a week. Avocadoes contain healthy fats that not only make you feel full but also improve cardiovascular health. I will add an avocado to a wrap, salad, or make the very popular avocado toast. Guacamole is always a favorite snack at our house as well.”
Plant proteins
“With the cost of groceries increasing we have been focused on our food budget. Meat, especially, has increased in price and availability. In order to promote satiety, I try to have a protein source with each meal. Therefore, I have turned to plant proteins. Lentils, beans, peas, and tofu offer a great amount of protein and fiber that help with fullness at a fraction of the cost of animal protein. Tofu takes on the flavor of whatever you are cooking it with and is very versatile. Canned beans and lentils have increased the ease of preparing beans by eliminating the time-consuming effort of soaking. I recommend rinsing beans if you purchase the canned version. They can go in wraps, soups, salads, and casseroles.
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