Nutrition Tips

Summer Health

Living in Florida, it seems appropriate to point out July is UV Safety Month. This means protecting our bodies (eyes, skin, etc.) against those potentially damaging rays from the sun. This may sound odd and unexpected coming from a Registered Dietitian, but the truth is, my goal is to help individuals be as healthy and well-educated as possible on all levels. Of course I counsel people on food choices and assist them in meal planning, but more and more I find myself also discussing tips for total health and wellness. So, here are some basic tips to keep your skin safe, and some more tips to consider when choosing a sunscreen. Visiting the Environmental Working Group's website can help you select the safest and top rated sun protection products based on their recent research.

Alright, now let's talk nutrition. July is also National Grilling Month! With the 4th of July just a few days away, many of us are salivating at the thought of the various foods we'll be grilling over the holiday. The American Institute for Cancer Research offers information on safe grilling, as well as recipes and ways to decrease your exposure to carcinogens that may form while grilling. I recommend experimenting with fruits and vegetables on the grill. The average American diet remains vastly deficient in fruits and vegetables, so try planning in some produce as you celebrate the holiday. Fruits and vegetables are great sources of vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants. Try grilling pineapple slices as part of your dessert, or grilling veggie kabobs for an appetizer.

Lastly, when shopping for fruits and vegetables this summer, consult this list for when to buy organic. The items on the "dirty dozen" list typically contain the highest levels of chemicals or pesticides. To minimize your exposure to the toxins, try to purchase organic varieties of those foods. Keep in mind, however, that the nutrition content of both organic and non-organic foods remain comparable. Thus, if you cannot find organic apples at your store, it is still beneficial to eat the non-organic variety. Just be sure to wash them well before eating.

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This post was written by Kristine Van Workum, Registered Dietitian and owner of Brevard Nutrition, Inc. Kristine provides outpatient nutrition counseling for groups and individuals to help manage a wide variety of medical conditions. She specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, weight management and sports nutrition. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call 321-327-7948, or visit her website.