Nutritional CHRISTUS Health shares simple ways for the community to make healthier nutritional choices

CHRISTUS Health is recognizing National Nutrition Month, encouraging individuals to adopt healthy eating habits to support long-term overall health.

“The goal is to help families understand the nutrition decisions we make now affect our long-term health,” said Mohamed Thiaw, executive chef with CHRISTUS Southeast Texas Health System. “Small, consistent improvements in eating habits today can significantly reduce the risk of conditions like diabetes, heart disease and kidney disease over time.”

National Nutrition Month was started 51 years ago by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to help people develop healthy eating and physical activity habits.

Thiaw said making changes does not have to be difficult. He recommends some simple ways to stay on track with your nutritional goals:

• Choose lower-fat foods and limit processed and fried items.
• Read nutrition labels to guide healthier shopping decisions.
• Involve family or friends for accountability and support.
• Write down meals to track intake and build awareness.
• Consult a registered dietitian for personalized guidance.
• Focus on small, sustainable changes over time.

While nutrition is important for everyone, Thiaw said people should remember that all bodies are not the same.

“Everyone is built differently, and factors like genetics, body composition and metabolism all influence how we process and respond to food,” Thiaw said. “I encourage people to see a registered dietitian to help create a plan tailored to your specific needs. Having expert support ensures your approach to nutrition is both safe and effective as you work toward your health goals.”