farmer's market

I just wanted to make a quick comment about something that has been very helpful to my project: the farmer's market. Beginning a few weeks ago, I started going to the farmer's market to get fresh produce. I have found that this is a huge incentive for me to eat healthier because I enjoy going to the market, choosing fresh produce, and planning a menu around the produce. Going to the farmer's market has made me very excited about eating healthier and has been a lot of fun. It has also been great getting to go to the farmer's market with Clay and other friends that also enjoy the market and eating healthy foods. Having a support group has been very important in sticking with my project and would be incredibly hard if it was not for them!!! This has taught me a very important lesson for when I counsel my patients. I must always ask about support people that can help the individual progress and succeed. Support groups are essential and necessary in order to make long lasting changes. If an individual lacks a support group, one must be found and the healthcare provider may need to actively participate in this role.

Green is better

I have just finished entering my F & V intake for the last few weeks into a nutrition analysis program that tells me if I am meeting my nutritional goals (for those interested, the website is www.fitday.com) and I was a little surprised and disappointed at my lack of progress. I have been making an effort to each more greens and healthier in general, but it is so so hard to even come close to meeting your nutritional needs as recommended. I noticed today that I almost always get 100% and more of vitamin C, sometimes vitamin A, but I am definetly struggling when it comes to the B vitamins and E. Although I was a little discouraged I do feel that I have become more aware of what I eat and tend to make healthier choices than I used to. I know that this is a work in progress, but I am begining to enjoy being healthier (even if my nutritional analysis contradicts this). I am very excited about the fact that I have been exercising on a regular basis (Clay and I ride our bikes to school 3-4 days/week for a total of ~20 miles/day) and I know part of it is due to my efforts to eat healthier and being more conscious about ways to promote our general well being.

still not there

So, I hate to admit that I am still not doing very well about eating my daily servings of fruits and veggies. I thought that after being done with what was supposed to be the worst semester in nursing school I would be able to focus more on eating a healthier diet. It didn't happen. There was ONE day about two weeks ago when I ate 3 veggie servings and three fruit servings, but so far that has only happened once. It was so exciting to know that it was possible to do. Also, I felt healthy, good about my self, and LIKED the food!! Hopefully days like that will be more frequent.