Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV December 29/98

VIEWER NUTRITION QUESTIONS FROM DECEMBER 29, 1998 NOON NEWS HOUR

1. Kathy from Burnaby was wondering what to do about a soy allergy for her 13 month old.

If you’re unsure how to test for an allergy or if your child is allergic to something, see your doctor for a referral to an allergy specialist. The safest product to test for a soy allergy in an infant is likely soy-based formula as other soy products such as soy milk, cheese and yogurt may have too high a protein content. Breastfeeding as long as possible currently remains the best measure in terms of allergy prevention in infants. However, after 8-10 months an infant can be introduced to whole milk.

2. Andrea from Cranbrook was wondering what to do about her 5-year-old son who won’t eat meat.

A couple tips….

• set a good example of the habits you want to instill in your children
• if you want your child to eat or drink something, ensure you eat it too
• emphasize dark green vegetables and iron-enriched cereals
• continue to re-introduce a variety of different meats to your son – however, if he continues to reject it, don’t let him see your frustration as this can prolong the problem
• see if he’ll eat meat alternatives like beans or soy products, maybe even eggs
• don’t worry if he never eats animal meat – as long as he gets adequate plant alternatives
• if not, consider a low dose multivitamin with iron3. Helen from 100 Mile House was wondering if you should eat more or less protein if your doctor has told you you’re spilling protein into your urine.

  Although I don’t know all the details of the problem, you most likely need to eat fewer protein foods. As a start, consider eliminating all low grade protein like processed or fatty meats.

  4. Kathleen from New Westminster is underweight. She is wondering how she can begin gaining weight.

  Instead of just nibbling constantly, aim to eat three large meals a day which contain all 4 food groups – a fruit and/or vegetable, a grain product, a meat or alternative and a milk product or alternative. Also eat a large afternoon and evening snack that is calorically dense such as trail mix, a peanut butter and jam sandwich, a milkshake or even a commercial calorie-enhanced product like Boost or Ensure. Call our office to set up an indepth consultation should the problem continue.

  5. Fred from Dawson Creek was wondering if consomme is an adequate meal for seniors.

  Ideally, the largest portion of all meals should be vegetables and/or fruit. Consumme is not sufficient! Plus, it can be quite high in salt.

  A happy and healthy New Year to all!

Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!

Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission