Hi!! My name is Kaitlin Poillon, and I am currently in my Wellness Rotation with Sodexo in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. I am also completing the online Master of Science degree in Dietetics with the University of Rhode Island. During the first half of my concentration rotation in Wellness, I have had the opportunity to work for a corporate wellness company called B.Komplete located in Blackwood, New Jersey. I have been responsible for writing pieces for the company blog, designing social media posts for all social media outlets, creating handouts, and producing wellness challenges for the clients of B.Komplete. Upon completion at this corporate wellness company, I will be starting in a Bariatric Surgery outpatient clinic with Capital Health System in Hopewell, New Jersey, and finishing my rotation with a Registered Dietitian of ShopRite in Philadelphia. I am very thankful for such an array of experiences, as there are so many careers that a Registered Dietitian can be a part of in the field of Nutrition and Wellness.
Below is one of the blog posts that I completed for B.Komplete on great foods to eat in the winter. I hope you enjoy!
Below is one of the blog posts that I completed for B.Komplete on great foods to eat in the winter. I hope you enjoy!
Foods to Eat in the Winter
Kaitlin Poillon, Sodexo Dietetic Intern
Winter means colder temperatures and less hours of daylight. With more time spent inside and little exposure to sunlight, it can become a task to stay happy and energized. Because of this, it is crucial to stay focused on adequate nutrition during this time of the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression with seasonal patterns, is very common during the cold months of winter. Changes in mood, energy, focus, appetite, and sleep are normal and expected with this kind of disorder. There are many different ways, however, that you can stay on top of your health and prevent symptoms of SAD. Staying active, eating healthy, and keeping stress levels at ease are great places to start. In order to stay happy, healthy, and energized this winter, incorporate these foods into your day!
Kaitlin Poillon, Sodexo Dietetic Intern
Winter means colder temperatures and less hours of daylight. With more time spent inside and little exposure to sunlight, it can become a task to stay happy and energized. Because of this, it is crucial to stay focused on adequate nutrition during this time of the year. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression with seasonal patterns, is very common during the cold months of winter. Changes in mood, energy, focus, appetite, and sleep are normal and expected with this kind of disorder. There are many different ways, however, that you can stay on top of your health and prevent symptoms of SAD. Staying active, eating healthy, and keeping stress levels at ease are great places to start. In order to stay happy, healthy, and energized this winter, incorporate these foods into your day!
| Sweet Potatoes Sweet potatoes are a great source of Vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, fiber. They are also packed with antioxidants. With their sweet taste and bright orange color, adding them to your meal can be fun. Also, they work well in a lot of different recipes. Whether you choose to bake, roast, or mash them, sweet potatoes are a great food to eat to keep you full and energized! Check out more recipe ideas here. |  Photo Source: http://dailypaleorecipe.com/recipe/paleo-chicken-broccoli-sweet-potato/ |
 Photo Source: https://www.well-beingsecrets.com/brussel-sprouts-health-benefits/ | Brussel Sprouts These “tiny cabbages” have a wide variety of health benefits, and if prepared appropriately, they can also taste really yummy! They are full of fiber, as well as contain high levels of cancer-fighting antioxidants that can protect DNA from oxidative damage. Try tossing them in some olive oil and roasting until lightly browned. Add some salt and pepper to taste, and enjoy! For other Brussel sprout recipe ideas, click here. |
| Salmon Tryptophan is an amino-acid that is found in many animal proteins, salmon included. It is a precursor for serotonin, a neurotransmitter that is associated with mood regulation. Salmon also contains large amounts of omega-3 fatty acids which have been shown in some studies to help regulate depression. Salmon can be baked, broiled, or grilled. Add your favorite marinade or sauce to the fish, and enjoy! Check out this link for more salmon recipe ideas! |  Photo Source: https://www.amazon.com/Fresh-Salmon-Fillets-Charleston-Seafood/dp/B01B02DH9W |
 Photo Source: http://www.finecooking.com/recipe/honey-preserved-clementines | Clementines These Vitamin C and fiber-packed tiny fruits are great snacks for just about anywhere! Full of calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and potassium, clementines are easy to pack and delicious to eat! Whether you’re peeling one for your morning snack or throwing them into your salad for lunch, clementines are the perfect addition to any part of your day! |
| Winter Squash Winter squash is full of Vitamin A and carotenoids, which have been shown to promote healthy skin as well as benefit heart health and immunity. Also rich in fiber and potassium, winter squash is a great option for many! Try all different varieties: Acorn, butternut, kabocha, and delicate squash! For some yummy winter squash recipes, click here. |  Photo Source: http://andrewzimmern.com/2014/10/02/winter-squash/ |
Staying happy and healthy can sometimes be a challenge. Life is crazy, and there are always things to be worrying about and stressing over. Take small steps daily to keep your mind at ease and your body strong and energized. Your health and well-being are important to all of us here at B.Komplete! #health #RDapproved #dietitian #winterfoods #vegetables #healthiswealth #themoreyouknow #wellness #wellbeing #yum #veggies
References:
https://greatist.com/health/seasonal-winter-produce-guide
http://www.eatright.org/resource/food/planning-and-prep/cooking-tips-and-trends/the-best-winter-foods-for-kids
