Question 3
This article believes that the obesity seen in food insecure families is correlated to the Food Stamp Program. This is because there is an association between Food Stamps and energy-dense food consumption since these foods are generally cheaper in cost. How would you explain energy-dense foods to a client in this program in basic terms and how would you would help your clients keep their grocery bills low without purchasing these foods?
posted by JoAnna @ 11:47 AM
11 comments
11 Comments:
I would explain an energy dense item to my clients as an item that is high in calories when compared to nutrients/cost. This shows them that while it may be high in calories, that doesn’t always mean that it’s highly nutritious. Dietitians need to provide education on how to plan and prepare balanced meals and to help participants choose energy dense foods and nutrient dense foods at the same time. Matching energy dense foods with those foods that are highly nutritious, such as fruits and vegetables, will help clients balance both their costs and their intake. Dietitians should also spend time discussing portion control; this can help for controlling both food cost and energy intake. And of course, dietitians should also be discussing increasing activity and exercise as needed to help clients balance their intake if weight is a problem.
I don't necessarily think energy dense food are cheaper. I think rather they are more appealing to those people who are of limited education and less concerned with healthy eating. I think it would be beneficial to have a class that families on food stamps are required to attend that teaches some basic grocery shopping/nutrition skills. I also think that limiting what foods can be purchased on food stamps would be better. I know there are some limitations with food stamps but I think there could be more. I don't necessarily think I would try and convince people that nutritious foods are better but rather I would try to be creative in showing them that maybe they could get more for their money with healthier foods. I think limited income is their greatest concern so appealing to the idea of healthy vs unhealthy would be missing the point. Maslow's hierarchy of needs states that we need to meet basic needs like before we can address greater issues. So first and foremost we need to find a way to make the money last for the month.
I would explain to the client that energy-dense foods provide plenty of calories but few nutrients or good things for their body. So while they are getting plenty or excessive amounts of calories, they are getting no nutrients or good things for their body. I would explain to the clients the opposite of energy-dense foods as nutrient-dense foods. These foods contain plenty of healthy nutrients for the body but few calories. I would give the clients examples of all these foods and have them display their understanding of these concepts. I would also show the clients nutrient-dense foods they can purchase that fit into their budget. The RD could even help the client set up a grocery list!
I have actually read a few other studies that contradict this belief that the energy-dense foods are cheaper when looking at food choices in those of low socioeconomic status. I would explain energy-dense as foods/drinks that have a lot of calories and not a lot of nutrients(or they do not provide good nutrition and can lead to weight gain and health problems if they make a habit of only eating these things). I would explain how they can buy healthier foods which may cost the same or only slightly more and how to save money in the long run (e.g., diluting 100% juice rather than buying 10% juice.) The key is proper education—they may just not realize that it actually costs more to buy the pre-made, processed foods or they may have no idea that it is detrimental to their health. Presenting these topics in a non-confrontational way that takes into account their food preferences and lifestyle will help get the message across.
Karlie,
I liked your explanation of energy dense items and agree that dietitians really need to approach this subject from many different angles. Not only are all of those topics important, but perhaps one method may work better than another for that particular client!
Annie,
I agree with your comment that energy dense foods are not cheaper, but rather more appealing. I also think that it would be a good idea to limit what foods can be purchased with food stamps, you could set it up to emphasis foods that are healthier, like canned fruits and veggies rather than chips and candy!
I would explain that energy dense foods are foods that contain lots of calories but have little nutritional value. Energy dense foods may have many calories but are not always the most nutritious choice. These clients should be educated on what foods should be included in the diet on a daily basis, such as teaching the food guide pyramid. I would also recommend that the clients purchase canned fruits and vegetables, since these foods can be relatively inexpensive but have a high nutritional value. By teaching the client about portion control and incorporation of physical activity into their daily life, dietitians can also prevent the obesity factor in this relationship. I feel that education is the key factor for this population. If they have the tools to eat healthy, they will be able to make more effective choices nutritionally.
Steph,
I think that your grocery list idea is great! By going through the items the client would choose vs. the RD would help the client to make better choices in the end.
-Shanell
I would explain to a client that energy dense foods may be appealing because they provide a lot of energy in one serving, but they do not necessarily offer healthful nutrients. I would explain that with these energy dense foods, portion control is a must. This would also be a great chance for RD's to step in and educate the client on how to make healthy choices that may not be as perishable, i.e. canned or frozen fruit & vegetable options, etc. Techniques on how to keep food from spoiling could also be discussed, i.e. freezing whole grain breads until use to prevent mold, etc. RD's could also take the time to discuss saving a small portion of food stamps to replenish fruit and vegetable supply half way through the month. Another option is to talk with clients about fruit and vegetable seasons. This may allow them to pick out the cheaper options easier. Even education regarding how to keep fruits & vegetables may be helpful, i.e some require refrigeration, others require room temperature. THe more helpful education that can be provided to clients the easier money management in the grocery store can become.
I would explain the energy-dense foods are those that have a lot of calories but do not provide nutrients that the family needs to be healthy. I would move on to explain what would be cost effective and nutritious for the family. Education is a key factor in helping our clients keep their grocery bills low. We need to train them on how to make wise decisions for themselves and their family regarding grocery shopping, planning and preparing meals. First, educate the client on grocery shopping. Go through a grocery shopping scenario with them; identify problem areas and together brainstorm solutions so the family has a successful grocery trip. Help the client identify ways to save including coupons, purchasing in season foods, frozen, canned (in own or light syrup), etc. Second, help the client plan healthy and affordable meals that can be used throughout the week. Carry this over into grocery shopping, make lists. Third, help the client to see that it is possible to prepare healthy, easy, tasty meals for the family. It is important to explain why preparing meals are often less expensive then purchasing highly processed foods.
Annie
I agree with trying to reach the families by approaching from the aspect of saving money. The families are often worried about how much the food costs rather than their food being healthy or not healthy. We can educate the families that healthier food is not always more expensive than the “non-healthy food”. Another issue that follows your Maslow’s hierarchy needs statement, is the long term consequences of unhealthy eating habits. We are aware of them; however, the families are not going to care about the future when they have to worry about the now (feeding the family). This is another issue that needs to be addressed when the patient is ready.
hkdudle
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