February 2019 I Today in Mississippi
your best foot forward by ordering a salad over some of the other items, but when we look at how many calories are in many of the dressings, you can almost defeat your efforts and become discouraged. But if you cut out the soda and are mindful of your dressing every day, here’s 20 pounds you could now lose in 2019.”
I Busy lives, quick food and better choices So many of us succumb to fast-food windows for dinner. Long days and long commutes, kids’ ballgames, church activities, play practice, dance and family obligations; all of these things lead us to the dreaded intercom and we find ourselves at the window purchasing greasy sacks of processed food. “I’m a registered dietician with a 6-year-old daughter, a working mom with a busy schedule, so I see my fair share of fast-food restaurants,” said Turner. “But just because you go through the window does not mean that you have to order a full meal the way it comes, with a burger, fries and the soda. If the chicken sandwich or the burger is what you really want, get it and cut out the fries. If you are on your way home, cut up fresh fruit and pop some popcorn. Or if you really want the fries, get that and order a salad. Maybe it doesn’t look like the perfect meal, but you will make a huge dent in what would have been for you, so you will see the weight loss results from that.”
“I want
everyone
I Convenience foods
target certain communities
to enjoy good health and I don’t want it to be a burden on anyone to have to get healthy.”
Unfortunately, the average Mississippian lives approximately 27 miles from a grocery store that sells fresh food items. Convenience foods are targeting those in areas like Mississippi that have what are called “food deserts.” For many Mississippians it’s challenging to make some of the healthier food choices, but Turner wants us to do what we can in terms of making better decisions and not letting these obstacles limit our ability to make better food choices. “Fresh fruits are showing up in gas stations and the food industry is supply and demand,” said Turner. “When you notice these changes in your local communities, support it by purchasing these healthier options. If you buy it, your stores will stock it.”
I About Rebecca Turner Turner is a graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi. She is a registered dietician, nutritionist and a certified specialist in sports dietetics with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is the author of “Mind Over Fork.” Her book is a documentation of her personal discovery and relationship with food. She hosts a radio show on SuperTalk Mississippi, “Good Things with Rebecca Turner.” She is a television presenter on Mississippi Public Broadcasting’s healthy eating show, “Fit to Eat” and the Emmy Award-winning children’s show “Ed Said” and often appears on WLBT/FOX 40-TV as a wellness expert. For more information, videos or to contact Rebecca Turner, visit www.therebeccaturner.com.
Rebecca Turner is a registered dietician, radio talk show host, television presenter and author of Mind Over Fork. She encourages everyone to take a different approach to their health so it doesn’t become burdensome.
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