UMC EAT WELL LUNCH AND LEARNSarah Ruiz RD, LD

HEALTHCARE ROLE MODELS

Secretaries Medical

Assistants Physicians Pharmacists Exercise

Physiologists Dietitians Nurses

HEALTH CARE ROLE MODELS CONT’D

Everyone who works in health care impacts the outcome of the patient’s overall experience.

In order to better care for our patients we must first take care of our own health.

It is important to support one another to make healthier lifestyle choices.

DO AS I DO!!!!!!

Our patients expect for us to lead by example.

Making healthy lifestyle changes is not easy and our patients do not have to do it alone!!

BENEFITS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Consuming fruits and vegetables decreases the risk for heart disease, obesity, certain types of cancers, and type 2 diabetes.

Eating fruits and vegetables that are high in potassium can potentially lower blood pressure.

Fruits and vegetables are lower calorie items that can help individuals follow a healthy diet.

NUTRIENTS IN FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Most fruits and vegetables contain amounts of potassium, vitamin C, fiber, and folate.

Many fruits and most vegetables are low in calories, fat, and contain zero cholesterol.

STARCHY VS. NON-STARCHY VEGETABLES

Contain higher amounts of carbohydrate and calories.

Examples include: corn, sweet peas, plantains, and potatoes.

Are low in calories and typically high in fiber and various nutrients.

Examples include: cucumbers, carrots, cauliflower, asparagus, and mushrooms.

SERVINGS OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES

Fruits- 1 ½ cups Vegetables- 2 ½

cups

Fruits- 2 cups Vegetables- 3 cups

WOMEN MEN

HOW TO INCREASE FRUIT AND VEGETABLE INTAKE

Purchase fruits and vegetables when they are in season. (The prices are decreased depending on the time of the year)

Include frozen fruits and vegetables which are easy to cook and are easily stored.

Incorporate vegetables into sauces and meat mixtures such as meatloaf.

Add fruits into morning smoothies to add additional sweetness without the added calories.

THINGS TO REMEMBER

In order to improve patient compliance with lifestyle plans we all must act as healthcare role models.

Fruits and vegetables contain various nutrients that contain health benefits such as decreased risk of chronic illnesses.

Adding fruits and vegetables into daily intake should not be time consuming or difficult.

Support systems at work can help to achieve long term lifestyle changes.

QUESTIONS??

Reference: USDA (2014). Food Groups. Retrieved from: http://www.choosemyplate.gov/food-groups/