Small changes, BIG results

Full Plate Living embraces fiber-rich foods

 

Beth Johnson was tired of being tired.

 

“My clothes were snug, and I was struggling to get my shoes on,” Beth says. “I just didn’t feel good.”

 

The retired teacher knew something needed to change to give her the best shot at staying independent. Now 62, Beth’s MNPS benefits are giving her a flexible blueprint and the support to do just that.

 

Beth works part-time as a reading interventionist. Last fall, Wellness Center health coach B.J. Reeves visited her school and spoke about her coaching services. Beth liked what she heard and booked an appointment with B.J.

 

Beth also chose Morgan Stine at the MNPS Health Care Centers to be her primary care provider. Morgan steered Beth to a new Lifestyle Medicine offering, called Full Plate Living. The four-session Group Medical Visit (MNPSHealth.org/gmv) helps participants add fiber to their meals to improve digestive health and blood sugar levels and, ultimately, achieve better health outcomes.

 

A small-steps approach

Participants aren’t asked to make drastic changes.

 

“Instead, they teach you how to power up your meals,” Beth says. “We simply add fiber-rich foods to things we eat already.”

 

Beth’s coach B.J. was one of the program facilitators. At each session, she prepared two fiber-enhanced dishes for participants to sample and shared the recipes. She also taught them how to read nutrition labels.

 

“There were things I tried that I probably wouldn’t have otherwise,” says Beth.

 

Morgan, who led the sessions, posed a question to every participant: “Which meal will you try to add fiber to?” This was tricky since participants had to consider other members of their household.

 

“We would try to problem solve together,” Beth says.

 

Morgan liked the camaraderie she saw develop. “The participants formed bonds and a sense of community as they helped each other,” she says.

 

Morgan also appreciates the program’s small change approach versus restrictive calorie counting. “It’s sustainable,” she says. “It focuses on gradually changing unhealthy habits.”

 

Increased fiber triggers a feeling of fullness, which naturally reduces caloric intake, Morgan says. Adding fiber can help bring down cholesterol levels and blood pressure and reduce incidences of cancer.

 

Results speak volumes

Beth is now a believer. Between Full Plate Living changes and working with B.J. and a Wellness Center fitness associate, she’s lost over 20 pounds.

 

But for Beth, it’s not about reaching a weight goal. “It’s about feeling good and being able to move from point A to point B without issues,” she says. “I want to feel good walking four miles.” And most days, that’s how much walking she gets in.

 

She’s also more adventurous with her food choices.

 

“I’m trying new things,” she adds. “I’m adding chickpeas and seeds to my salads. I enjoy Greek yogurt with fruit and nuts. And I’m eating more vegetarian dishes. With B.J.’s help, I’m taking my favorite recipes and swapping for healthier ingredients.”

 

“I feel so much better,” Beth says. “The Full Plate Living program has been an easy transition to healthy living for me.”