Fueling recovery, busting myths and supporting whole-person health

LOUISVILLE, Colo. — March is National Nutrition Month, and at AdventHealth Avista, our dietitians are busting myths, personalizing care and helping patients rebuild strength during some of the most critical moments of their lives.

We asked our team to share a few insights from common nutrition misconceptions to simple habits that can make a big difference.

Myth-Busting: Let’s Clear the Plate

There’s no shortage of nutrition advice online but not all of it is rooted in science.

Courtney Middle wishes more people understood that protein needs are often overstated.

“You don’t need one gram of protein per pound of body weight,” she explains. “For the average healthy adult, 0.8 grams per kilogram meets recommended needs. Most of us don’t need as much protein as influencers or bodybuilders suggest.”

Suvara Arnold often hears that people should avoid all carbohydrates - even fruit.

“There’s a difference between the natural sugars found in whole foods and added sugars in processed foods,” she says. “Fruit and vegetables contain fiber that supports gut health and slows sugar absorption. It makes more sense to limit added sugars in sweetened beverages and baked goods.”

And for Nikole Randolph, one myth stands out.

“The idea that seed oils are poisoning you,” she says. “There’s strong evidence that replacing saturated fats with polyunsaturated fats actually reduces cardiovascular disease risk.”

One Small Change, Big Impact

When it comes to improving long-term health, the team agrees: start simple.

“Drink more water,” Courtney recommends. Hydration supports kidney health, digestion, skin health and even physical performance.

Nikole echoes that advice and adds one more: “Get direct exposure to morning sunlight within one hour of waking.” Small daily habits can have powerful ripple effects.

Suvara’s tip? “Move regularly. Even a 10-minute walk or quick workout each day can make a difference.”

Personalized, Practical Nutrition

Hospital dietitians don’t believe in one-size-fits-all meal plans.

Suvara builds rapport through open-ended conversations, learning about patients’ cultural traditions and food preferences before tailoring plans that truly fit.

Nikole’s approach starts with listening. “It’s about adapting rather than eliminating, aligning with real life and empowering patients through education so they can make confident decisions.”

In a hospital setting, nutrition is deeply personal - and often critical to recovery.

The Reward of Working in Health Care

All three dietitians agree: the most meaningful part of their work is the people.

Courtney finds fulfillment in helping patients regain strength during vulnerable moments so they can return home and do what they love.

Suvara values the collaboration. “Working alongside medical professionals to implement targeted nutrition interventions for complex conditions is deeply fulfilling.”

Nikole adds, “As part of a multidisciplinary team working toward shared goals, the impact of nutrition can be meaningful and visible.”

Looking Ahead: What’s Next in Nutrition?

The future of nutrition science is exciting.

Courtney highlights the growing focus on cognitive health, including the role of omega-3s, B vitamins and vitamin D. She also emphasizes the importance of increasing fiber intake, especially as colon cancer rates rise - particularly among younger adults.

Suvara is watching trends in GLP-1/GIP medications, continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) and women’s health-specific nutrition across life stages.

Nikole is inspired by the expansion of Food is Medicine initiatives and regenerative agriculture - connecting nutrition more directly to health care outcomes.

This National Nutrition Month, we’re grateful for the expertise, compassion and innovation our dietitians bring to our patients and our community. Their work helps patients not just recover - but feel whole.

Thank you to our incredible Nutrition Services team for fueling health every day.