Adtalem experts highlight individualized approaches and sustainable habits to improve nutrition and empower healthy choices.
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics created National Nutrition Month over 50 years ago to invite individuals to learn how to make informed food choices and develop healthy eating and physical habits.
As we celebrate National Nutrition Month, we talked to health experts from Walden University to dispel common nutrition myths and offer practical advice for building healthier lifestyles. They emphasize the importance of personalized approaches and sustainable dietary changes, empowering individuals to take control of their well-being.
Unmasking the Truth About Fats
Cynthia J. Hickman, PhD ’16, MSN ’10, a nutritionist, nurse educator and caregiver advocate, is passionate about dispelling the misconception that all fats are detrimental. In her doctoral program at Walden, she specialized in health services and nutritional health leadership.
She advises choosing healthy unsaturated fats found in nuts, avocados and oils like olive and canola, stressing the importance of knowing which one and how much is most important to nutritional health.
“Knowledge about fats is the answer. Saturated versus unsaturated fats are the key to fat consumption.”
Dr. Hickman also cautions against the trend of consuming high-fat, high-calorie snacks daily. “A sweet treat from time to time never hurts anyone. However, it’s the daily reach for them that presents the problem. It is especially concerning when these snacks are a part of children’s daily intake, often in packed lunches.”
Effective Nutrition Needs Individualized Solutions
Alvin S. Perry, DBA ’12, has over 20 years of experience in the consumer products industry, including management roles with Colgate-Palmolive, Pepsi, Mars and Walmart.
He emphasizes that a one-size-fits-all approach to nutrition is ineffective.
Dr. Perry advises individuals to conduct thorough research on any nutritional solutions they are considering. He debunks the myth that the U.S. food supply is inherently healthy, urging people to read all the labels and prioritize fresh, organic foods prepared at home.
Empowering Sustainable Changes
Both experts highlight the importance of sustainable dietary changes. As advocates for healthy change, they empower individuals to take control of their health and encourage self-education and collaboration between individuals and healthcare professionals.
Dr. Hickman suggests practical tips like meal planning and food prepping to incorporate more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein into daily diets.
Dr. Perry emphasizes the mental aspect of change: “The first thing is understanding the mental part of making the change. Why the change is desired must be uncovered. The physical will follow the mental.”
For more information, email the Adtalem Global Communications Team: adtalemmedia@adtalem.com.
