VA showcases nutrition during health expo
Carol and James Klingensmith of Ellwood City started their quest in a fresh state of mind.
The couple's search for healthy recipes led them to the recent National Nutrition Month Expo.
“We are in MOVE to lose weight,” said Carol Klingensmith. “We are here to find recipes.” MOVE stands for Motivating Overweight Veterans Everywhere, a program that focuses on healthy lifestyle changes.
More than 50 people mixed and mingled at the National Nutrition Month Expo hosted by the VA Butler Healthcare's Nutrition Services at the Abie Abraham Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Center, 353 N. Duffy Road in Center Township.
James Klingensmith, who is a Navy veteran, said the event gives veterans a new outlook on health.
The expo featured cooking and exercise demonstrations, as well as giveaways and interactive information tables.
March is designated National Nutrition Month to spread information about nutrition, said Carol George, certified dietitian for VA Butler Healthcare, whose slogan this month is “Make Nutrition Your Own” and #ownit.
Each of the expo's booths offered attendees a variety of information from pasta options and healthy alternatives to recipes to carbohydrates, ancient grains and bowel movements.
Between a nutty bar and banana, there is only a two-carbohydrate difference, George said.
Cauliflower is a healthy alternative to rice, and zucchini is a healthy alternative to pasta noodles, said Courtney Johns, certified dietitian for VA Butler Healthcare.
Portion control is Johns' piece of healthy advice.
“What you eat affects everything,” said Johns.
VA Butler Healthcare focuses on veterans' whole health, George said.
The MOVE program focuses on healthy lifestyle changes by eating right and getting exercise regularly, she said, which is another option for veterans.
George said she plans to continue the event annually.
Healthy eating can be delicious.
“You don't have to go on any fad diets,” Johns said. “We are trying to get people away from doing something that's harmful or they think is healthy.
“You can eat normal food and be healthy,” she added.
