Ask a Dietitian
"Diana, just a quick heads up to let you know we are still using your cookbook and the guys will often be heard saying what would Diana say about this or that....really good feed back... I made your potato salad and the oriental coleslaw on Sat. for a family luncheon and had rave reviews so thanks again."
BC Hydro
Nutrition Questions from May 2/00 Noon News Hour
As seen on BCTV May 2/00
VIEWER NUTRITION QUESTIONS FROM MAY 2, 2000 NOON NEWS HOUR
1. Jason from Surrey wants to know if the sunflower oil in ‘Sunny Delite’ is bad for you.
Sunflower oil is a polyunsaturated fat. Although it is not completely monounsaturated (which is the ideal), it is better than a solid, saturated fat. Although Sunny Delight is more nutritious than soda pop, I would recommend drinking 100% real fruit juice instead.
2. Shelly from Langley wants some guidelines for taking whey powder. She exercises regularly.
If you think your diet lacks protein and it’s hard for you to get enough, a protein powder made of whey or soy protein is an effective way to add protein, calories and energy to your diet. Most people should drink just one shake a day and be careful not to go overboard.
3. Kirsten from Kamloops wants to know where she should go for information on how to gain weight.
This can be frustrating as there is not a lot of support out there on this subject. A lot of what is written about weight gain comes from companies with a hidden agenda to sell their weight gain products. However, some resources for you to try include my book: The 101 Most Asked Nutrition Questions, the internet (just ensure the website authors have solid credentials and present unbiased information) and the free nutrition hotline called Dial-a-Dietitian at 732-9191 or 1-800-667-3438.
4. Nancy from Squamish wants to know more about combining foods. She wants to know what makes a complete protein. (pasta and peas)
The idea of not combining protein and carbohydrate foods in the same meal is not one that I endorse. The idea has been popularized mostly through fad diet books written by former celebrities. However, if you care vegetarian you do have to be careful about how you combine food in order to make for a complete protein. Vegetable or grain foods mixed with corn, beans, milk products, soy or nuts generally make for a complete protein.
5. Lou from Duncan wants to know about her low good cholesterol and what she should eat.
The single most important measure you can take to boost your “good” cholesterol, also known as HDL cholesterol, is to exercise more. Continue to eat lots of fruits and vegetables and avoid smoking.
Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!
Article written by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission