Ask a Dietitian

As seen on BCTV December 1/98

ANSWERS TO YOUR NUTRITION QUESTIONS

1. Tina From Langley asked about her newborn twins and if she should be concerned that the 2-1/2 pound baby seems to be feeding more than the 6 pound baby. The answer is no. A newborn, especially a premature baby, has a very small stomach capacity and should be fed on demand. Due to the high metabolism and high rate of growth and development at this early stage, the calories and frequent feedings will do nothing but help. There is no need to be concerned that these frequent feedings would lead to weight problems later in life! In fact, it may be dangerous to be thinking this way.

2. Barb from Coquitlam was wondering if a person who eats more wild meat would be healthier than someone eating regular farmed meat due to the hormones and chemicals that farmed meat may be exposed to. I believe the wild meat would definitely have fewer chemicals and in fact, for the most part, wild meat is leaner than other meat. However, the more plant based “meat” we eat such as tofu, beans, lentils and nuts in place of any animal meat, the better.

3. Rob from Enderby asked how many calories per pound his dad would need to stay healthy. Although tables exist which provide this information, it is difficult to give a precise estimate without knowing ones height, weight and activity level. An average weight, adult male who is moderately active would need at least 2000-2500 calories per day. However, the quality and nourishment value of the calories is an even bigger concern than the amount.

4. Don from Mission is 85 years old, 5’6″ and 195 pounds. He has insulin dependent diabetes. He wanted to know where to start to improve the situation. In terms of basic eating guidelines, he can benefit from eating three balanced meals a day (containing at least three of the four food groups) and at least two or three regular snacks which contain both carbohydrate and protein throughout the day. He also needs to stay well hydrated. If possible, starting into an exercise program would also be very helpful. For additional information, please call the free nutrition line at 1-800-667-3438 or 732-9191 in Vancouver or call the Diabetes Resource Centre of BC. The Canadian Diabetes Association website is also helpful (http://www.diabetes.ca/).

5. Linda from Vancouver is a recovering drug and alcohol user. She also wondered where to start to see improvements. The guidelines for Don in the above questions would be helpful, as would really pushing vegetables and fruits to boost the immune system. Dark green leafy vegetables, oranges and enriched cereals and breads supplying folic acid would be helpful. A low dose multi B supplement may also be helpful to the liver. Of course, stimulants like caffeine, alcohol, nicotine and harder substances should be severely limited and ideally avoided altogether to let the liver recover. Interestingly, the liver is among the most resilient organs in the body and can recover if you treat it right! Good luck!

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

Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission