The beet

As we wrap up our summer vacations and settle back into our routines, this is a great time to think about what will support our success in the new school year. Understanding how to meet our basic nutrition needs is one essential step in supporting our ability to focus, learn, and perform at our best at school, work, or while completing daily tasks. At Whitson’s Culinary Group, we prioritize providing balanced and nutrient dense meals to all. In this lesson on the Nutrition Nook, we teach you how to balance your meals to get as much nutrients as possible in the day. According to the United Stated Department of Agriculture (USDA), it is recommended to include the five food groups at breakfast, lunch, and dinner. These five food groups include protein, whole grains, vegetables, fruit, and dairy (or fortified dairy alternative). As a Registered Dietitian who has educated individuals across the lifecycle on nutrition, it is understood that it is not always easy to meet these recommendations. For example, if we choose three of the five food groups during one meal, it is recommended to include the missing two food groups during a snack. Additionally, there may be a special occasion where the meals offered may not include these five food groups. With the understanding that special occasions are not a daily occurrence, these celebratory meals will not break the bank per say. It is all about balance.

About the Author

Katelyn is a Registered Dietitian and Certified Dietitian/Nutritionist. Katelyn holds a strong interest in culinary nutrition and believes that all foods fit into a nutritious diet. She is frequently searching for new recipes to try, and you will often find her at local farmers markets on the weekends. Katelyn has a varied experience in the nutrition field, ranging from counseling adults who are critically ill to educating children on the fundamentals of nutrition. Katelyn is empathetic in nature and enjoys helping others set achievable goals towards a healthier lifestyle.