I want to thank Tara for the opportunity to post to her blog. With today’s obesity epidemic, it’s great to have someone like Tara promoting an overall healthy lifestyle. My name is Amanda Haag and I am a registered dietitian. I currently work as a clinical dietitian for neonates, pediatric patients and women’s health.

Heart for Health Welcomes Amanda Haag, Registered Dietician

In today’s fast paced society, we have lost the joys of eating. Our society is losing what it means to sit down as a family to enjoy a meal and communicate about everyone’s day. I would like to encourage you to slow down and be more mindful of what is being put into your body… be a smart eater.

Tips for eating smart:

• Keep track of everything you eat. 

It seems basic, but once you start writing down everything (foods and beverages) you consume throughout the day you will notice areas in which you can make adjustments to your eating habits. Don’t forget to be honest with yourself.

• Eat more fruits and vegetables. 

Prep them if necessary and keep them visible on your counter or in the refrigerator so they’re easily accessible. The new choosemyplate.org (which has replaced the food pyramid) encourages half of your plate to be fruits and vegetables.

• Set the table for dinner and turn off all electronics and put away all books, and newspapers while eating.

Even if it’s just you at home, it’s important to savor your meal. When you’re distracted you are more likely to eat bigger portions. Also, it’s best to avoid associating certain activities with eating (like popcorn with movies). When there is an association with food and an activity, you may automatically want to eat when participating in the activity, even if you’re not experiencing hunger.

• Be smart and plan ahead. 

Keep nutritional snacks around like fresh fruit, trail mix, lightly salted nuts, edamame, yogurt and vegetables with hummus. Having a plan in place for your meals is also helpful so that you are less likely to choose less healthy options. Plus, if you don’t have a plan in place, by the time you’re hungry you will be at more risk of overeating.

• Make a goal and start consciously working on a way to improve your eating habits. 

It’s important to take inventory every once in awhile and make sure that we are fueling our bodies appropriately.

• Don’t tempt yourself with “junk” food and “trigger” foods. 

If you’re stocking your shelves with foods that tempt you to eat mindlessly it’s best to avoid them completely. If you are having a craving and MUST have it, make a special trip for that item and savor it. I have a sweet tooth so I keep treats around that have some sort of nutritional value. This icecream treat is one of my favorites…

image via pinterest

Banana Ice Cream Treat (one of my favorites)

3-4 bananas, peeled, cut into coins and frozen
Any desired toppings: peanut butter, Nutella, walnuts, cocoa powder, coconut, etc
-Put frozen banana coins into the food processor and process until smooth.
-Stir in desired toppings. Enjoy!

Make a goal and start consciously working on a way to improve your eating habits. It’s important to take inventory every once in a while and make sure we are fueling our bodies appropriately.

In Nutrition,

Amanda M. Haag RD/ LD