Eating healthy: March is National Nutrition Month

March is National Nutrition Month, a campaign focused on the importance of developing healthy eating habits. But eating healthy should be a year-long goal.

Angela Lang, a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes care and education specialist with Kirk U.S. Army Health Clinic, said nutrition and exercise can impact every aspect of a patient’s life.

“Eating good food can really change the course of a disease, change the course of the probability of a disease,” she said.

With more than 20 years’ experience as a dietitian, Lang said she is available for nutrition consultations for KUSAHC beneficiaries. She works with patients of all ages, including Soldiers enrolled in the Army Body Composition Program.

She said patients usually see her to address health concerns like diabetes, high cholesterol and obesity. Lang said she works closely with KUSAHC’S clinical pharmacist, Dr. Stacey Giles.

“She does medication management and I do lifestyle management,” she said. “Together our goal is to try to get people to try to decrease the use of medications.”

According to Lang, she frequently meets with Giles and other KUSAHC health professionals to ensure patients are getting the best care.

“Even though we are not face-to-face, that doesn’t change the care the patients are getting,” she said.

Adopting good habits

Lang said she teaches her patients how to balance the “good and the not-so- good.”

“Eating well is all about balance,” she said. “You can have a great diet and still eat sweets and snacks. It is a matter of balance, portions and moderation.”

She said she encourages patients to introduce new healthy food or meals into their diet. She recommends www.skinnytaste.com, which features healthy, family-friendly recipes made with real food.

She also recommends the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org, for a reliable and up-to-date nutrition resource. She cautions people to be careful of fad diets and false information online.

Eating fresh and moving more      

Another factor to consider, she said, is eating fruits and vegetables in season. To save money, Lang suggests trying farmer’s markets.

“The two most popular spring seasonal produce are asparagus and strawberries,” she said. “They are much less expensive and so much more delicious [in the spring.]”

She also encourages patients to create meal plans before going to the grocery store. Meal planning can take some of the “guess-work” out of healthy eating and help you save money, she said.

Lang said she also focuses on movement and encourages her patients to take walks and frequent standing breaks during the day. For detailed exercise plans she refers people to the Army Wellness Center and physical therapy.

“Increase your steps in everyday activity,” she said. “Try to get outside when the weather is nice, it is good for your mental health and physical health.”

Telehealth appointments

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she currently consults with patients over the phone. Lang said she has received positive feedback from patients who enjoy the convenience of telehealth appointments. She said telehealth also has given her more ways to help patients achieve their goals.

For example, Lang said she can talk with patients while they are in the grocery store, giving them advice on healthy food options and meal planning.

For more information

Lang’s office hours are 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Appointments are open to KUSAHC beneficiaries only. For appointments, call 410-278-5474.