Good nutrition starts with getting back to basics

Every March the Poughkeepsie Journal, in conjunction with the Mid-Hudson Dietetic Association, hosts Dial-A-Dietitian Night as a way of promoting sound choices when it comes to your health and diet.

Tonight, between 6-8 p.m. (EST) you can call 845-451-4541 and ask a question about nutrition and ways to improve your health. A panel of registered dietitians will be here to field your calls and answer a live Web chat if you tune in to www.poughkeepsiejournal.com.

This year's theme from the American Dietetic Association is Nutrition From the Ground Up. Let's face it, we can all make improvements in our diets by getting back to the basics — eating foods that are not processed, buying locally from farmers markets or better yet, growing your own produce this summer. Whole grains and legumes are also ways to increase fiber and protein in your diet.
Read more about nutrition and watch a video with Jennifer Stack, a chef and dietitian who is also an assistant professor of nutrition at the Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, by clicking here.

Sometimes, taking a small step is all it takes to improve your diet and health. Add one serving of fruits or vegetables each day to a meal and then increase it every few weeks.
Don't be afraid to sample something new. Local health food stores or co-ops are good places to start. They often have samples available for tasting and have knowledgeable staff on board to answer your questions.

You can also give a call tonight or log in to get the ball rolling toward better nutrition.

Your body will thank you for it.