Holzer Making Strides Celebrates National Nutrition Month
Holzer recently had its first “Making Strides” event of 2024. In celebration of National Nutrition Month, March’s event was headlined by Lorie L. Siders, MS, RD, LD, Clinical Dietitian at Holzer. Siders had an insightful presentation which focused on “Eat This, Not That.” This presentation educated attendees about healthy foods that are good substitutes. 
Siders talks about why sweet potatoes are healthy alternatives to white potatoes, saying, “It's true that colorful potatoes like sweet potatoes and purple potatoes tend to be higher in certain nutrients compared to white potatoes. These colorful varieties often contain more antioxidants, particularly beta-carotene in sweet potatoes and anthocyanins in purple potatoes. These antioxidants have been linked to various health benefits, including reducing the risk of chronic diseases like cancer and diabetes by protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.”
“Additionally, sweet potatoes are higher in fiber compared to white potatoes. Fiber is essential for digestive health and can help regulate blood sugar levels and promote satiety, which may aid in weight management,” says Siders.
Siders went on to discuss the consumption of whole fruits and fruit juices. “Whole fruits contain natural sugars along with fiber, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making them nutritious choices for a balanced diet. However, fruit juices often have much of the fiber removed during processing, leaving behind concentrated sugars and calories. Consuming fruit juice without fiber can lead to quicker spikes in blood sugar levels and may contribute to weight gain if consumed excessively.”
Siders also talked about yogurt, stating, “Regular and Greek yogurt offer health benefits like aiding digestion, supporting heart health, and assisting with weight loss. Greek yogurt has about half the carbs and sugar of regular yogurt and nearly twice as much protein. However, it has less calcium and sodium. Choosing between the two depends on individual preferences and dietary goals. Opt for plain varieties without added sugars for the healthiest option.”
Making Strides with Holzer is a health initiative designed to guide overall wellness for individuals in our communities. In efforts to improve the health and wellbeing of participants, each scheduled monthly event will be led by a Holzer provider or staff member focusing on a topic of their expertise. For questions, call 740-446-5901.
