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Notes on Nutrition: Food as Medicine
Food as Medicine acknowledges ‘powerful’ role food plays in long-term health
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As the new year arrives, renewed focuses on wellness, weight loss and healthy habits usually kick in. This year’s fresh, scientific approach is Food as Medicine (FAM), which is a framework that’s gaining momentum both in research and practical application.
FAM is a term that acknowledges the powerful role food plays in long-term health. FAM is defined by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics as "a philosophy where food and nutrition aids individuals through interventions that support health and wellness." Our daily food choices are essential for sustaining health and preventing disease.
When a medical condition occurs, nutrition also plays an important role. For example, ailments like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease can be managed by a prescribed nutrition plan with the help of a registered dietitian nutritionist, who is a credentialed food and nutrition expert.
Ready-to-go meals customized to meet specific nutritional goals are a component of FAM. That’s why Hy-Vee dietitians developed Dietitian Dishes, a new line of frozen, medically tailored meals that taste great.
Available in select stores, Dietitian Dishes feature 20 different meal options, including Romesco Baked Chicken, Black Bean Burgers with Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce, and Mediterranean Chicken with Chickpea Mash & Garlic Broccoli. These microwaveable meals are found in Hy-Vee’s HealthMarket and are designed to meet diverse dietary needs including weight management, diabetes-friendly, heart-friendly and more.
Hy-Vee dietitians also bring Food as Medicine to customers through their Pick of the Month program, which highlights foods that offer nutritional benefits. These dietitian favorites help customers discover ingredients that align with health goals, whether that’s boosting fiber, increasing antioxidants or supporting heart health. January features three brands:
- Catalina Crunch cereal: An irresistible crunchy cereal with protein and fiber, Catalina Crunch is also rich in protein with 10 to 11 grams per serving. It is an excellent source of fiber and is lower in sugar with 0 to 1 grams of sugar per serving.
- Silk Soy Complete Plant Protein Milk: A plant-based complete protein soy milk with 13 grams of protein per serving, Silk delivers all nine essential amino acids. It is allergen and vegan-friendly, free from lactose, gluten, dairy, artificial colors and flavors. As a bonus, Silk contains three grams of dietary fiber per serving.
- StarKist® Tuna: Each ready-to-eat, convenient pouch delivers 12-plus grams of high-quality, lean protein. A natural source of omega-3s, which help support heart, brain and eye health, these pouches also include other essential nutrients, including vitamin D, selenium, B vitamins and potassium.
Hy-Vee dietitians use scientific-based practices to maximize results and recently participated in a Food as Medicine research study.
Improvement was shown for in-person and telehealth medical nutrition therapy services in 80 percent or more of the most common nutrition problems. The Food as Medicine movement continues to grow because it’s based on science and the practice standards that registered dietitians follow.
Incorporating nourishing foods into daily eating patterns can help reduce disease risk, support a healthy weight and improve overall quality of life. As research expands, it’s clear that nutrition guidance and healthy foods have a measurable impact on health.
Hy-Vee dietitians: Prescription to practice
Hy-Vee dietitians provide individual nutrition consultations centered around Food as Medicine. Free Discovery Sessions allow individuals to learn about the program and potential insurance coverage.
To schedule a free session, contact Hy-Vee’s Discovery Call Center at nutritionservices@hy-vee.com, (515) 695-3121 or visit the Hy-Vee dietitian webpage. Your local Hy-Vee registered dietitian will help develop a nutrition plan that works for you.
Nicole Johnson is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee.
Recipe
Tropical Tuna and Quinoa Bowls
Serves 2
Ingredients
1 pouch (6.4 ounces) StarKist® Chunk Light Tuna in Water
11/2 cups cooked quinoa
2 teaspoons lime juice
1/4 cup chopped red onion
1/2 cup diced red pepper
1/2 cup diced yellow pepper
1/2 cup diced, fresh or canned pineapple
1/2 cup diced avocado
Chopped cilantro (optional)
Directions
Divide the quinoa between two medium bowls. Toss 1 teaspoon of lime juice in each bowl.
Divide the tuna between the two bowls, placing it on one side of each bowl.
Add the vegetables and pineapple around the sides of the bowls, on top of the quinoa.
Garnish with chopped cilantro, if desired.
Source: StarKist® Tuna Pouches
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