Local dietician encourages eating healthy habits for Nutrition month

HATTIESBURG, Miss - March is Nutrition month and Hattiesburg Clinic's Dietician, Stephanie Owen, mentions that Mississippi is rated in the top 3 for one of the most obesed states.

According to the State of Obesity website, since the early 90's the adult obesity rate skyrocketed in Mississippi from 15% to nearly 25% in a decade.

Owen said, "Mississippians in general have really poor eating habits it is evidenced by obesity rate at 35.5%. I think there needs to be more education."

In 2010 the rate reached 35% where it remained since.

"Mississippians need to start portion control, try to have more fruits and vegetables in your plate" Owens said.

She mentioned that the key to a healthy eating habits is education and elaborated on phone app's to assist in portion control.

"I love My Fitness Pal" said Owen. My Fitness Pal is a more recent phone app that people use to monitor their eating habits.

Owen's added that eating right will lead to a better lifestyle and feeling mentally and physically better.

She encourages Pine Belt residents to become aware of what is on their plate.