While the saying “you are what you eat” isn’t quite accurate, there’s some truth to it. Eating healthy foods can boost your physical and mental health in many ways — and we’re here to help you access them.

At Cempa Community Care, our mission is to champion healthy communities. Part of that mission includes helping those in the greater Chattanooga area learn about nutrition basics and get the healthy foods they need.

“We’re here to help our patients become the healthiest versions of themselves,” says Marlee Clemens, Cempa’s registered dietitian. “What you eat plays an important role. When you fuel your body with healthy foods, including fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein, you lower your risk of developing many chronic health conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes and high blood pressure — and you’ll just feel better, too.”

March is designated as National Nutrition Month, so take a few minutes this month to read up on how Cempa can help you find the right nutritional balance.  

The Many Benefits of Good Nutrition
When you sit down to eat, you might be more focused on fending off hunger pains than on how healthy your food is. The two things don’t need to be mutually exclusive, though: You can do both.

Start by changing the way you view your plate. At meals, fill half the plate with fruits and vegetables, which are packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. The other half of your plate should contain a serving of whole grains, such as brown rice or whole-wheat bread, and a serving of lean protein, such as chicken, turkey, fish, tofu, or beans. 

While there are many other tweaks you can make to improve your eating habits, those basics are a big step in the right direction. Eating a balanced, healthy diet can benefit your health in many ways, including:

• Boosted immune system
• Healthy skin, teeth, and eyes
• Improved digestion
• Improved energy 
• Lower risk of heart disease, Type 2 diabetes, and certain types of cancer
• Muscle support
• Stronger bones

Good nutrition can also make it easier to get to and maintain a weight that’s healthy for you, which can also help lower your risk of chronic conditions.

How Cempa Can Help
While eating healthy foods can play a key role in keeping you healthy and well, it’s sometimes easier said than done. Healthy foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, are often more expensive than processed foods, putting them out of reach for many people in our community.

In addition, the cost of food in general has increased in recent years. Along with the financial cost, it can also simply be more difficult to get to stores that provide healthier food options due to transportation challenges.

To help our clients at Cempa, we offer nutritional counseling services. In a nutritional counseling session, our team can evaluate your current eating habits, determine your nutritional needs, and create individualized goals based on those factors. 

“Many of our clients are surprised to learn that eating healthy foods can sometimes even reverse a condition like Type 2 diabetes,” Clemens says. “As a dietitian, I love working with clients to help them create a healthier lifestyle for themselves and their families. I want people to know that food can be good for you and taste good, all at the same time.” 

Whether you’re managing a chronic health condition or simply looking to improve your health, nutritional counseling can help. Request a nutritional counseling appointment at Cempa.