50+ Lifestyles

A Day in the Delicious Life of a Hy-Vee Dietitian: Nourishing Mind and Body

By Hannah Anderson MA, RDN, LDN, CLS
Hy-Vee Registered Dietician
(515) 695-3602     hannah.anderson1@hy-vee.com

Ever wonder what a dietitian eats on a typical day? The truth may surprise you! Your dietitian team wanted to give you a sneak peek into the diet of a nutrition expert. Let us take you through a day of delicious and nutritious meals, so you can learn tips from the professionals to help make healthy eating a whole lot easier.

Breakfast: On-The-Go Protein Overnight Oats + Coffee

Dietitians recommend a protein-packed breakfast to help people stay focused and energized all morning long. Protein overnight oats certainly check that box. All you do is mix oats, chia seeds, and Fairlife milk and let them sit overnight. In the morning, top with your favorite fruit, and you can be out the door! Of course, don’t forget the coffee (with a splash of milk or heavy cream).

Lunch: Chopped Salad Kit + Hard Boiled Eggs + High Fiber Crackers

Dietitians are all about making vegetables the star of the meal, and chopped salad kits are a quick and convenient way to do that with your lunch. Top your chopped salad with hard-boiled eggs for a quick way to get your protein. Pair that salad with a cracker that provides at least three to five grams of fiber per serving for a well-balanced meal perfect for the office.

Midafternoon Snack: Perfect Bar + Decaf Coffee

Sometimes, you just need an afternoon pick-me-up, and dietitians are no exception. Our dietitians love to reach for a snack with high protein, low glycemic index, and high fiber, making Perfect Bars the perfect choice for our team. Dietitians are also serious about getting a good night’s sleep, which means cutting off caffeine after 2 p.m. So, we like to pair that Perfect Bar with a decaf coffee (the aroma is uplifting!).

Busy Weeknight Dinner: Slow Cooker Pork Chops + Petite Potatoes  + Broccoli Steamer Bag

Dietitians also love simple yet nutritious meals for those hectic weeknights. A slow cooker meal that cooks while the family’s at work and school (like the recipe below) can help simplify mealtime. Add a broccoli steamer bag from Hy-Vee’s produce department for a balanced, delicious meal in minutes.

Evening Snack: Handful of Walnuts + Dark Chocolate Chips

Dietitians love ending the day with a sweet treat, too! For this, we like to pair California walnuts with dark chocolate. California walnuts are a great source of plant-based protein, fiber, and heart-healthy omega-3s. The dark chocolate will give you a boost of disease-preventing antioxidants—the perfect way to end the day!

Want personalized, dietitian-approved meal ideas? Your Quad Cities Hy-Vee dietitians are now accepting insurance! This means you could get personalized, evidence-based nutrition advice with little or no cost to you! Sign up for a free discovery session at Hy-Vee.com/Health to learn more!

Easy Slow-Cooker Pork Chops

Serves 4

All you need:

• 3 tbsp Hy-Vee canola oil
• 4 pork loin thick center chops
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 (24 oz) bag of Petite Medley Potatoes
• 2 tbsp Mrs. Dash Garlic and Herb Salt-Free Seasoning Blend

All You Do:

1. Heat oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add pork chops and brown each side. Transfer to a 4-quart slow cooker. Sprinkle with seasoning blend.
2. Add onions and potatoes to slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 5 hours on high.

Adapted from: https://www.hyvee.com/recipesideas/recipes/easy-slow-cooker-pork-chops

Shop all of these ingredients at Hy-Vee Aisles Online.

The information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.

This content was made possible by the paid support of our sponsors, Perfect Snacks, Fairlife and the Foundation for Fresh Produce.

Hannah Anderson is a registered dietitian at Hy-Vee. She can be reached at (515) 695-3602 or at hannah.anderson1@hy-vee.com.

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