(508) 828-7000

Nutrition

Our programs and services include:

Food & Nutrition Services at Morton Hospital

The Food & Nutrition Services Department plays a critical role in the health and well-being of patients. Nutritionists visit with patients, plan their diets and follow up to make sure plans are being followed. They are dedicated to promoting healthy eating habits, which is why they offer a nutritious menu to patients, visitors and staff on a daily basis.

Outpatient Nutrition Services

The foods you eat can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Outpatient Nutrition Services at Morton Hospital can help you choose healthy foods for your self and your family. We work closely with your physician and other health care providers to develop a personalized nutrition care plan for you.

Services Offered:
Our professional staff is made up of licensed and registered dietitians. As part of Morton Hospital, we have expertise in all aspects of nutrition, including:

    Medical Nutrition Therapy
    Diabetes/Gestational Diabetes
    Elevated Cholesterol/Triglycerides
    Eating Disorders
    Enteral Nutrition
    Gastric Bypass (pre- and post-surgery)
    Gastrointestinal Disorders
    Heart Disease
    HIV/AIDS
    High Blood Pressure
    Kidney (renal) Disease
    Nutrition for Pregnant/Breastfeeding Women
    Nutrition for Infants & Children
    Food Allergies
    Weight Loss or Gain

Office Location:
Morton Hospital
88 Washington Street
Taunton, MA 02780
(Main Hospital – Across from Hospital Chapel)
(508) 828-7018

Scheduling: All patients must have a physician referral and insurance referral before booking appointments. Referrals must be faxed to the Nutrition Department prior to appointment. Appointments are booked through Central Outpatient Scheduling at (508) 828-7690.

Hours: Wednesdays and Thursdays 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.; some Tuesdays
Additional appointment times, as necessary.

Cafeteria
The Morton Hospital Cafeteria is open from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and offers a variety of affordable menu choices, including hot meals, salad bar, sandwiches, snacks and beverages. Hot menu items are served from 6:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. (breakfast), 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (lunch) and from 4 p.m. – 6:30 p.m. (dinner). “Healthy Choice” and heart-healthy menu items are also offered on a daily basis. The Cafeteria staff work closely with the Nutrition Services Department to ensure that menu items meet the nutritional needs of patients, visitors and staff members alike. Wi-Fi available in cafeteria on request.

 

The Nutrition Corner

Check out our Nutrition Corner articles for tips from our nutrition experts.

Holiday Survival Guide

Heart-Healthy Recipe Makeover

 

Healthy Eating Tips
Nancy Medeiros, MSRD, Clinical Nutrition Manager, offers these tips for general healthy eating:

Eat Breakfast
Studies have shown that people who eat breakfast regularly control their weight better than those who don’t. Whole grain cereals, breads and oatmeal are great choices, along with some fruit and low-fat milk or yogurt, to start the day off right!

Choose More Whole Grains
The Dietary Guidelines recommend eating three or more servings of whole grains per day. Some additional ways to increase your whole grain consumption include choosing whole grain crackers, brown rice and whole wheat pasta instead of refined-grain products. Choosing whole grains has shown to help lower your risk of heart disease, cancer and diabetes.

Eat Your Colors
Increase your intake of different colored fruits and vegetables to get a variety of vitamins and antioxidants. They are low in calories and high in fiber, which helps keep you full longer.

Don’t Drink Your Calories
Instead of choosing sugar-laden beverages, switch to water, seltzer/sparkling water, low-calorie flavored water or 100 percent juice.

Cut Back on Red Meat, Processed Meats and High-Fat Deli Meats
Choose lean turkey, chicken, fish or soy alternative to decrease your fat and sodium intake.
Balance, variety and moderation is the key! Lifestyle changes, including healthy eating and daily exercise, is the best way to stay healthy!

Nutrition Links

For more information about nutrition, you may visit the following websites:
American Dietetic Association
www.nutrition.gov
www.cookinglight.com
www.familyfoodzone.com
www.foodsafety.gov
www.nationaldairycouncli.org
www.nutritionforkids.com
www.mypyramid.gov
www.americanheart.org
National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
American Gastroenterology Association
Recipes from the Food Network
American Obesity Association