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Sarah Becher, Registered Dietician, and Amy Elifritz, Dining Services
Manager.
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VHCC celebrates
National Nutrition Month
Versailles Health Care Center celebrated National Nutrition Month in
March. For National Nutrition Month, the Academy of Nutrition and
Dietetics encouraged everyone to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" by
taking time to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures,
great flavors and social experiences food can add to your life.
"Food nourishes your body and provides necessary fuel to help you
thrive and fight disease," says registered dietitian nutritionist and
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Spokesperson Kristen Gradney. "Food
is also a source of pleasure and enjoyment. 'Savor the Flavor of
Eating Right' by taking time to enjoy healthy foods and all the
happiness they bring to your life."
For National Nutrition Month, Versailles Health Care Center’s Dining
Services highlighted three main concepts, the social component to food,
the different flavors of food, and the eating pattern.
The first concept, the social component to food, focused on enjoying
food traditions and social experiences. Many times food plays am
important part in a social gathering, whether a daily meal or special
holiday dinner. "Research indicates that family meals promote
healthier eating and strengthen family relationships," Gradney
says. "Prioritize family meals and enjoy the food traditions that
accompany any type of social gathering." According to Amy
Elifritz, Dining Services Manager, “At VHCC, residents and cooks plan
special meals throughout the month. It’s fun to sit down with
them and plan meals of the favorite foods, from Winner’s sausage to
various food bars. It is always a pleasure to prepare their
choices.”
The next concept, the different flavors of food, emphasized eating
slowly to help with savoring the flavor of food. "Eat one bite at
a time, and focus on the different flavors and textures," Gradney says.
"Stop and take time between bites. Eating slowly not only allows you to
enjoy your food, but it can also help you eat less by giving your
stomach time to tell your brain that you are full." Elifritz
encouraged residents to enjoy the different flavors and textures of
food and to enjoy the overall eating experience.
The final concept highlighted during National Nutrition Month centered
on developing a mindful eating pattern. “We believe that our
residents should enjoy their dining experience. Our dining
program puts emphasis on meal service and food quality as well as
resident choice. It is our privilege to serve our residents in an
exceptional dining atmosphere. We also focus on the how, when,
why, and where you eat, because these things are just as important as
what you eat,” said Elifritz.
"Think about where you eat the majority of your meals," Gradney says.
"Many eat lunch at their desks or dinner in front of the television.
Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to find a nice place to
mindfully eat instead of multitasking through your meals."
Kristy Earick, CEO/Administrator at Versailles Health Care Center,
complimented VHCC’s Dining Services, “We are thankful at Versailles to
have such a wonderful Dining Services Department led by Amy Elifrtiz as
well as Sarah Becher, our Registered Dietician. Sarah helps
educate our staff and guides them on food choices which lead to an
overall healthier lifestyle for our residents and patients.”
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is the world's largest
organization of food and nutrition professionals. The Academy is
committed to improving the nation's health and advancing the profession
of dietetics through research, education and advocacy. Visit the
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at eatright.org.
Versailles Health Care Center is a skilled nursing and rehabilitation
center that offers short-term rehab services, outpatient therapy, and
long-term care. If you are interested in learning more about
Versailles Health Care Center, please call at 937-526-5570 or visit on
the web at www.versailleshealthcare.com.
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