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Nutrition and Healthy Eating Information

Nutrition and Healthy Eating Information

About ProSciento’s Research Nutrition Department

A Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) is an expert in the use of food and nutrition to promote health. At ProSciento, our RDNs are responsible for providing nutritionally balanced meals for our study participant’s well-being and enjoyment while also maintaining the integrity of each research study. 

Our Research Nutrition team works hard to put together the best meals possible for you! Some studies have specific food requirements, but our meals are always meant to be nutritious while also appealing to a wide range of cultural and taste preferences. 

Upon request, meal accommodations may be made if they are within the protocol requirements and within the capabilities of the Research Nutrition Department. Possible accommodations may include vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, and gluten-free meal options. 

Celiac Sprue disease will be assessed individually by our study team prior to entry into a research study. This is to ensure that you are safe throughout your study participation.

Our Research Nutrition team creates daily menus based on the requirements for each study. Unless a study specifies otherwise, snacks may be included between meals. 

While participating in one of our studies all meals will be provided at no cost to you! If you have specific meal requirements, please let us know during your phone appointment so we may ensure you get the correct menu during your stay.

See what types of meals and foods are served during a research study: [link]

Good nutrition is about having a well-rounded diet.

There are many ways to eat healthy! Making smart food choices can help you manage your weight and lower your risk for some long-term diseases. 

Eating healthy doesn’t look the same for everyone! It’s important to find a balance that’s right for you and meets your nutritional and lifestyle needs. Restrictive diets are not always the answer. Talk to your doctor to learn more about healthy food choices that are right for you. 

Here are our top 5 healthy eating tips:

  • Pick a variety of colors for your plate.
      1. Choose brightly colored fruits and vegetables each day, orange and dark green vegetables are a great choice.
      2. Foods like dark, leafy greens, oranges, and tomatoes—even fresh herbs—are loaded with vitamins, fiber, and minerals.
  • Choose whole grain foods
      1. Replacing refined grains with whole grains is can significantly improve your health. Examples of whole grains include brown rice, 100% whole wheat bread, quinoa, barley, buckwheat, and oatmeal.
      2. Whole grains reduce risks of heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and obesity. Few foods can offer such diverse benefits.
  • Lower sodium intake
      1. Good nutrition is about balance, and that means not getting too much of certain ingredients, such as sodium (salt). Sodium increases blood pressure, which raises the risk for heart disease and stroke.
  • Avoid highly and ultra-processed foods
      1. Processed foods such as frozen meals, ready-to-eat meals, baked goods, and processed meats can be high in sugar, artificial ingredients, refined carbohydrates, and trans fats and can have negative health effects. 
      2. Read food labels. Highly and ultra-processed foods tend to have a long ingredient list with additives like artificial flavors, added sugars, stabilizers, preservatives and more. 
      3. Prepare most of your meals at home using whole or minimally processed foods. 
  • Make water your drink of choice
    1. Avoid sugary drinks and instead drink water. Sugary drinks packed with sugar provide many calories but virtually no other nutrients.
    2. Keep a reusable water bottle in your purse or car so you can fill up wherever you are going.