Dietitians spread message of healthy eating

Having trouble with your weight? Considered obese, even by a few pounds?

Consult a registered dietitian.

Nicole S. Berry-Garnsey, a registered dietitian, said a simple solution is often portion control. Reducing wasteful calories in food and beverages such as soda and junk food, balanced with exercise, is an important step to shed pounds.

"You have to be open to good nutrition information," she said. "Start a food journal."

People who track what they eat each day are more apt to stick to snack and meal plans, she said.

Wednesday was National Registered Dietitian Day, but, Ms. Berry-Garnsey said, registered dietitians spread their message of good eating habits and healthy lifestyles all year long.

Over the past year there has been an emphasis on what's being done to combat childhood obesity, both at the state and national levels. Ms. Berry-Garnsey said although the programs are great, if children don't see proper eating choices within their families, it may be harder for them to grasp importance of a healthy lifestyle.

"Our bad habits are getting to our children," she said.

One obstacle, she said, is that registered dietitians are not approved for insurance reimbursement for children who have difficulty with their weight. People end up paying out of pocket, or they don't see a registered dietitian at all because they can't afford it.

Another issue, Ms. Berry-Garnsey said, is the amount of time people may have to wait to see a dietitian. The shortage of health professionals in the north country spills into the nutrition field. She said there are about 25 registered dietitians in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

According to the American Dietetic Association, registered dietitians should be consulted if a person has diabetes, cardiovascular problems or high blood pressure, as well as if they are considering gastric bypass surgery, becoming pregnant or just having trouble gaining or losing weight.

Dawn P. Berry, a registered dietitian and director of clinical nutrition at Carthage Area Hospital, said the north country slowly is starting to see more registered dietitians.

"We're the nutrition experts," she said. "We're trained in nutrition, have four-year degrees, and most have their master's. We're the ones who can look at the science behind the latest studies."

One of the biggest tips Mrs. Berry said she could give people is don't eliminate any foods; just watch how much you eat.

"Change your lifestyle slowly," she said. "One week your goal could be to eat more vegetables, then cut down what you're eating at night. Couple that with exercising. They go hand in hand."