Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV March 7/00
VIEWER NUTRITION QUESTIONS FROM MARCH 7, 2000 NOON NEWS HOUR

1) Caitlin from Burnaby wants to know what a serving is.
For most foods, the size of a tennis ball represents one serving. This is true for fruits, vegetables and grain products. For meat, a serving is thought to be roughly 3-4 ounces or whatever would cover the palm of your hand not counting your fingers and thumb. For milk products, 1 cup of milk, ¾ cup yogurt or 1-1/2 ounces of cheese is a serving.

2) Jack from Prince George had an aortic valve replaced.
If you are on the medication Coumadin, it is advisable to reduce your intake of Vitamin K-containing foods. Unfortunately, green leafy vegetables are high in Vitamin and should be limited. Better choices would be carrots, beans, peas or corn for example.

3) David from Barriere wants to know if cranberry juice is good for bladder infections?
Yes, cranberry juice is thought to be good for the bladder and kidneys. Ideally, consume pure cranberry juice with little or no sugar added. Many cranberry juice products on the market are actually very high in sugar.

4) Alfie from Clinton called regarding cramping in her mother’s hands.
If you do not have arthritis and are experiencing odd, random cramping, see your doctor. As far as diet goes, a lack of water, calcium or potassium could all be contributors.

5) Fally from Abbotsford is wondering about cracks in the lips.
This can be due to a lack of riboflavin, vitamin B2. Riboflavin is found in pork, milk, whole grains and vegetables. However, avoid concentrated riboflavin supplements unless prescribed by a health professional.

6) Sharon from Smithers wants to know how to stop overeating.
Well, given that we’re all mammals, it can certainly be a challenge. However, a few strategies to try are:

• Don’t approach every meal like it is your last opportunity ever to eat. Remember we need to eat every 3-4 hours during the day. So, we don’t have to gorge ourselves at every meal.
• As a lot of eating is visual, consider taking less food on your plate in the first place. This way you can still “clean your plate” without being overfull. Tell yourself that you can always have more later.
• Avoid waiting too long between meals as this sets you up to be over hungry and then to over eat.
• Slow down and chew your food thoroughly. If it will prevent that uncomfortable, overfull feeling with heartburn, gas and cramps, isn’t it worth it?

7) Philip is weight lifting and wants to know if he should eat a lot of pasta?
Yes, if you are doing heavy weight training you need extra carbohydrate calories. However, it doesn’t simply have to be pasta. All fruit, vegetables and other grain products like rice, bread and cereal are considered carbs.Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour! Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission