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Nutrition Top Tips – May 2026

April 30, 2026
NEWS + STORIES
Close-up of red and green lettuce growing in a garden bed, with the Hendricks Regional Health logo in the upper left corner.

Grow What You Eat

Growing what you eat can help you cultivate a healthier balance, both physically and mentally. There’s a unique sense of pride that comes from harvesting a tomato from your own garden. You created space, provided care and let nature do the rest. That feeling of accomplishment is powerful, and it comes with real health benefits.

Gardening offers far more than fresh produce. Some of the many advantages include:

• Fun and enjoyment for all ages

• Burning stored energy through physical activity

• Great-tasting produce packed with essential nutrients

• Fewer trips to the grocery store

• A hands-on teaching tool for kids and adults alike

• Lower risk of many chronic diseases

Pride is defined as satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements. Growing your own food supports a healthy body and mind, and that’s something worth celebrating. Research consistently shows that eating the right number of vegetables is linked to a lower risk of many chronic conditions, including heart disease and diabetes.

The benefits of gardening truly seem endless. Do you have a wellness goal in mind? Is it related to becoming more active, eating better or building healthier habits? Gardening can be a meaningful step toward a healthier lifestyle.

Reserve a ROOT 36 community garden plot for $20 at the front desk.

KAITIE DELGADO MS, RD, Sports Dietitian CSSD, LD, ACSM-CPT

Clinical Dietitian, Nutrition & Dietetics, Board Certified Specialist in Sports Nutrition

Kaitlin.Delgado@Hendricks.org

317-718-8542

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