Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV October 20/98

VIEWER QUESTIONS ANSWERED

1. To keep energy levels stable after meals, ensure the meals includes both protein (e.g. meat, meat alternatives or milk products) and carbohydrate (grains, vegetables and/or fruit). Just eating carbs won’t be good enough. A very well known diet book entitled “Fit for Life” claims we should never combine protein and carbohydrate in our meals as they won’t be digested properly. This notion is not supported by scientific research or by me.

2. The cabbage soup diet: Like all other diets that come and go, it is not something I suggest doing beyond perhaps a couple days as it is nutritionally unbalanced. Since our brain likes novelty, the diet may be easy to follow for a few days or weeks but not in the long term. The best approach to weight loss is to eat balanced meals and snacks, eat a variety of different foods and get active. For a more personalized plan, please contact our office.

3. To sustain energy throughout the day and prevent after work munchies, aim to eat every 3 hours throughout the day. Good snacks include any fruit or vegetable, a sandwich, yogurt or even a few nuts.

4. With Hepatitis C and any other liver diseases, emphasize fresh fruits and vegetables for the vitamins and minerals that will help strengthen the immune system. Cut back on high fat, high salt sources of protein like processed or canned meats. Instead, emphasize plant proteins like beans and tofu. Omega-3 fatty acids found in fish, dark green vegetables and vegetable oils are also helpful. Avoid alcohol and stay well hydrated with water.

Jennifer’s question (BCTV Internet Journalist):
I am a vegetarian (have been one for 5 years) and have started having a heaping spoonful of peanut butter with my granola bar, banana and orange for breakfast. Is the peanut butter helpful? I usually eat relatively light in the morning because if I eat too much right after running I feel ill… Then I snack on carrots until lunch.
Patricia’s response:
Instead of just peanut butter every day at breakfast, vary the routine with peanut butter some days, then 1/3 cup of various nuts like cashews, almonds, etc. on other days. Or what about a tofu shake? Blend 1/3 cup of soft tofu with a cup of OJ and a banana. Don’t just eat carrots. This is limiting the variety too much. I’m not a big fan of just plain carrot sticks as they have a high glycemic index and can raise blood sugar and potentially also cause weight gain over time. Eat carrots with a few nuts (say 5 nuts). Silly as it sounds, this little bit of protein will slow the release of sugar and keep energy more stable and prevent weight gain. Try other vegetables or fruits occasionally too!

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

Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission