Tour supermarkets with Backus dietitians

NORWICH – Deciphering food labels can be tricky, whether you are looking to reduce salts, fats or stay away from carbohydrates.

Backus Hospital’s dietitians will offer their expertise on a supermarket tour to celebrate National Nutrition Month in March. The tour will be March 21 from noon to 1 p.m. Participants need to register by March 16 by calling Whitney Bundy, 889-8331, ext. 4319.

Join them and go through the aisles of Stop & Shop in Norwichtown to learn more about healthy eating.
“It is so helpful because it is hands on,” said Catherine Schneider, RD, a clinical dietitian at Backus. “We can look at specific cereals, cookies or crackers, for example, and compare the fiber content.”

Also, she said many people don’t realize they can request nutritional information at the seafood or deli counters.

“Showing people sticks with them better then just talking about it,” she said. “We will also talk about menu ideas and healthy options, such as from the natural food section.”

Ms. Bundy, Acting Director of Backus Hospital’s Food and Nutrition Department, said there would be different dietitians leading groups through the store, so each tour can be tailored to the questions of those involved.

“It is a great way to hear information coming straight from a registered dietitian,” she said. “People can learn how to make healthy shopping decisions and incorporate that into making healthy eating decisions on a regular basis.”