Seasonal Changes Bring New Nutrients and Flavors to the Table
An apple a day might keep the doctor away, but what if apples are out of season? Where can you turn for your healthy daily snack?
Thanks to supplements, there are alternative ways to consume nutrients, even when your favorite fruits and veggies are out of season. But Assistant Chief of Nutrition and Food Service at the Washington DC VA Medical Center Leslie Collier, RD, said it can be healthier and tastier to switch up your diet with what is in season.
“Although there is nothing wrong with eating frozen fruits and vegetables, when you eat them fresh and in season, there will be more flavor and likely more nutrients, since the time it takes to go from the farm to your table is shorter,” she said.
VA’s Nutrition and Food Service can help Veterans establish healthy eating habits for every season and understand how their diet interacts with any medications they may be taking. Collier added that diet plays a vital role in every aspect of our health and wellness so making sure yours is balanced can be important, especially if you have an underlying health condition. The Registered Dietitians in Nutrition and Food Service help Veterans address nutritional needs to help prevent or treat conditions like:
- Cancer
- Diabetes
- Heart Health (Managing high cholesterol and high blood pressure)
- Kidney Disease
- Neurological Disorders and Spinal Cord Injuries
You don’t have to have a medical condition to work with Nutrition and Food Service on your health goals. Collier said they also offer provide nutritional counseling on:
- Plant Based and Sustainable Eating
- Fiber
- Food and Drug Interactions
- Healthy Aging
- Vitamins and Supplements
- Weight Management - If you want to lose weight
- Weight Management - If you need to gain weight
- Wellness and Healthy Living
- Women's Health
In addition to changing what we eat with the seasons, our bodies are also growing older with each season of life. Collier stressed the importance of adapting your diet to meet your evolving nutritional needs as you age.
“In the younger years, we are growing and need more nutrients such as calories, or energy, protein, water, and essential fatty acids. As we age, we generally see reductions in energy needs but an increase in some vitamins and minerals such as B12 and Vitamin D,” she said. “We can help you understand these dietary needs as they change so that you can live a longer, healthier life.”
To learn more about VA’s Nutrition and Food Services visit: Nutrition and Food Services Home (va.gov)