Using Nutrition Media to Keep Shoppers Informed

Dietitian Dialogues
May 25, 2008
Amy McLeod, RD, LD
- · Portion Control
There is a handy method to applying portion control to your diet – just use your hand! Hold out your hand and consider this: one thumb tip is the equivalent of one teaspoon of margarine or mayonnaise, one handful is a serving of nuts, two handfuls is a serving of pretzels. The palm of your hand is about three ounces of meat which is one serving, and your fist is the equivalent of one cup, which is two servings of pasta or rice or two servings of oatmeal. So, when you think of controlling your portions, use your hand as a handy reference.
- · Exercise Your Benefits
When it comes to making changes in our physical activity it helps to review the cost versus benefit ratio. The cost of exercise is our time, and maybe a little sweat. The benefits are many: decreased risk for cardiovascular disease, improved cholesterol and triglyceride levels, plus improved blood pressure. Did you know, that if you have diabetes, exercise can improve blood sugar for up to 24 hours? The next time you think about the cost of exercise, review the health benefits.
- · Soy
Soy is one of today’s superfoods so try it out and enjoy the benefits. Soybeans contain many nutrients required for good nutrition: protein, complex carbohydrates, Omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins and minerals such as Calcium, Folate and Iron. Consuming 25 to 50 grams of soy protein is believed to help lower blood pressure, and improve cholesterol. Try soy milk, soy yogurt, soy cheese or soy smoothies located in the dairy case.
As a nutritionist working for a supermarket, you have a unique outlook on how retailers are increasing health awareness at the store level and the kind of questions that shoppers ask. Each month, we'll be featuring a guest column, written by a nutritionist, that communicates this point of view on a variety of topics. And we want to hear from you. If you are a supermarket nutritionist interested in sharing your perspective and insights, we would love to help you share your thoughts! Please contact Allison Bloom at allison@foodnutritionscience.com.