Eating healthy and loving it
Facing a health challenge, Tina Davis learned delicious ways to nourish her body.
When Tina Davis, 62, was told she had a chronic condition five years ago, she needed a fresh approach to nutrition. She knew that diet could impact her illness.
“I’d always had an interest in food, but this challenge steered me in a healthier direction,” Tina says.
Inspired at Independence Live
In 2017, Tina, who lives in Mount Airy, started weekly chair yoga and mindfulness classes at Independence LIVE, the Independence Blue Cross (Independence) experience center in Philadelphia. Those were followed by cooking demos, where she learned techniques like adding flavor with coconut aminos instead of soy sauce and sneaking vegetables into dishes. She saved her favorite recipes in a handy binder.
Tina now orders fruits and veggies from a community-supported agriculture program, recommended by a friend. “I eat locally grown produce and cook mostly from scratch,” Tina says.
Learning from a nutritionist
Tina attended four medical nutritional therapy sessions, a benefit of her Independence plan.* She connected with the demo leader, and the two still meet after class every couple of months. Tina learned how to eat well with less nightly prep by batch cooking, how to store her food for easier access, and more.
“I’ve made a lifestyle change,” says Tina. She’s proud to have avoided Type 2 diabetes and related meds. “Knowing I have people at Independence to rely on for guidance has been empowering.”
“What I learned from my nutritionist made a lasting impact. When you have a chronic condition, you need to find ways to manage it. Independence LIVE bridged the gap for me.”
—Tina Davis, Mount Airy, Pa.
*Medical nutrition therapy coverage varies by plan. Please consult your Evidence of Coverage details for information.
