By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

NORTH SHELBY—Join St. Vincent’s One Nineteen in March for National Nutrition Month. Throughout the month, St. Vincent’s will highlight the Wellness Service’s programs along with present some special events.

“(St. Vincent’s One Nineteen) always has a big promotion in March,” Wellness Dietician Donna Sibley, R.D.N., L.D., said. This year’s theme is “Bite into a Healthy Lifestyle,” and will touch everything from the best foods to fuel a workout to stocking a healthy kitchen.

“We are focusing on some specific topics… (such as) ‘eat this, not that,’” Sibley said, explaining the month will focus on making health choices.

Registered professional dieticians will lead a special nutrition-focused lecture series throughout March, with each class being held at 7:15 a.m. and noon.

On March 2, there will be a 30-minute “Food as Fuel” workshop, covering food choices to improve and sustain energy throughout a workout and “what to eat after a workout,” Sibley said.

On March 10, a dietician will lead a seminar on “Taming the Sweet Tooth,” discussing the difference between real and artificial sweeteners and how to enjoy sweets while also maintaining a healthy diet.

On March 26, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will present “Eat This, Not That,” a class focused on health choices and revealing “hidden calories” in unexpected foods, Sibley explained.

In addition to the lectures, St. Vincent’s One Nineteen will offer several nutrition-focused programs in March.

“Healthy Cooking in a Bag” is a special “freezer meal workshop,” Sibley said. The two-hour class, held on March 17 at 6 p.m., will provide attendants with a healthy shopping list, then demonstrate how to make seven healthy meals to freeze. The class is perfect for busy individuals looking for balanced, ready-made meals, Sibley said.

On March 18 at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., a registered dietician will lead a tour through the new Sprouts grocery store, located in the Brook Highland Shopping Center.

“It’s tour groups of 10 or less people walking around with a dietician,” Sibley explained. “We’re promoting all the healthy foods in the store.”

During the session, a dietician will demonstrate what to look for in a nutrition label and point out healthy options throughout the store.

While Wellness Services will be highlighted throughout March, wellness is an important part of St. Vincent’s One Nineteen throughout the year.

“It’s a very unique model here at One Nineteen, we’re trying to care for the whole person,” St. Vincent’s Marketing and Communications Manager Lauren Thomason said, noting programs, lessons and one-on-one sessions are offered year-round.

“Everybody is always striving to find a better way to do things,” Sibley said. “We generally try to integrate wellness into every aspect.”

For more information about the March Nutrition Month events, or any of the programs and services offered at St. Vincent’s One Nineteen, call 408-6600, or visit Onenineteen.com.