Positive Messages

Debbie Walls, RD, LD, CDE, makes a variety of positive display boards. We are happy to share the themes and their content here:

• Go for the Whole Grain. Display food labels and packages for items that are whole grains and for those that are not. Items that are not include wheat bread, wheat crackers, sugared cereals, wheat rolls, white pasta and white rice. Items that are whole grains include brown rice, 100% whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, whole-grain cereals and whole-grain crackers. This is an excellent way for people to be able to visualize the difference between whole grains and refined grains. Debbie encourages patients to try more whole-grain dishes by providing them with recipes from CFFH Newsletter. She also has a fun crossword puzzle and enters everyone who completes it in a contest. The winner receives a bag of whole-grain products, of course!!• Eat Smart, Stay Healthy. Debbie displays information on the MyPlate (she uses our poster, but you can download a graphic from www.usda.gov) and on serving sizes and portion control. This helps people learn about eating the right number of fruits and vegetables each day and how to portion grains and protein. She has recipe handouts and sample menus that come in a 2-week cycle. PLUS her patients receive fun healthful snacks like fresh grapes and gingersnaps.• Foods to Increase to Decrease the Risk of Heart Disease. Debbie displays foods that contain soluble fiber like beans, oat bran, oranges, corn, barley, apples and pears, along with soy and fish. She supplies handouts on the benefits of soluble fiber, oat bran, soy, and fish. Recipes are provided for each category. She also does a slide presentation titled “The Lowdown on Cholesterol.” Participants receive samples of soy products to try.• Strive for Five helps participants understand the benefits of 5 or more fruits and vegetables each day. Debbie provides handouts and information on the DASH diet. Patients receive fun recipes using fruits and vegetables from CFFH Newsletter. Samples of fresh fruit are provided and are very popular.