Got a question about salt, snacking or carbs? Maybe you'd like to know how to lose those pesky winter weight gain pounds. Georgia’s registered dietitians have the answers if you call in during their annual Diet 411 Nutrition Hotline event Tuesday between 6 and 9 p.m. They’re already predicting a lot of questions will be about diabetes.
One of the organizers, Cheryl Orlansky, a dietitian and diabetes educator with the Laureate Medical Group says, “We know that a lot of people in Georgia who are diagnosed with diabetes or high blood pressure may have been sent out from their doctor’s office with only a handout sheet of diet instructions and wondered ‘where do I go from here?’”
Dietitians with the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics will share tips on menu plans and recipes as well as professional advice on cholesterol and weight control.
“People would like to get nutrition advice from the trained experts not a neighbor. And if they’re curious about what an RD might recommend, now is the time to call,” Orlansky says.
Some Common Diet and Nutrition Questions
Answers provided by dietitians Marie Spano of Spano Sports Nutrition Counseling, Cheryl Orlansky and Carolyn O’Neil, members of the Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
Q: I was recently diagnosed with gluten intolerance. What kind of gluten-free products would you recommend I try as a replacement for the usual carbohydrates that are included in most meals and snacks?
A: “Happily there are many gluten-free products such as pastas, breads, crackers and cookies as well as gluten-free options on some restaurant menus. There are even gluten-free beers now. But, remember that these products may be gluten-free but they are not calorie free. You still need to control portions. A bowl of gluten-free pasta topped with gluten-free cheese sauce can pack a calorie punch.” O’Neil
Q: What should I eat to lower my blood pressure and risk of heart disease?
A: “Decreasing your intake of sodium is very important. And, 80 percent of the sodium we consume is from processed foods or eating out. Become a label reader and choose lower sodium foods and learn to flavor without sodium (herbs, spices, lemon etc.). Also, be sure to include potassium rich foods in your diet. Potassium blunts the effects of sodium on blood pressure. The best source of potassium? Tomatoes and tomato products! Also, strawberries, citrus fruits (lemons, oranges) and dairy products are good sources of this mineral.” Spano
Q: I’ve just been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes. What kind of carbohydrate foods can I eat?
A: “Contrary to what friends tell you, you can eat fruit, yogurt, rice, potatoes and breads. It is important to include carbs for energy in a healthy diet and to know how to count them. The new choose myplate from USDA (www.choosemyplate.gov) is a perfect start. The plate is 1/2 fruits and vegetables and the other 1/2 is split between lean protein and whole grains or starches. To control blood sugars, pile on large portions of non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, green beans, cabbage, carrots, salads, summer squash, asparagus and cucumbers.” Orlansky
Q: How can I curb my craving for potato chips?
A: “If you crave potato chips, it’s OK, just don’t ban them from your life. Get to know your food cravings. Look at the suggested serving size and calorie count on the Nutrition Facts label and enjoy as part of a small snack. Do not eat out of a big bag of chips because you may not know when to stop. 10 chips, depending on brand, are about 150 calories.” O’Neil
Q: How can I put on muscle mass?
A: “In general, you need to eat more calories than you are burning to build mass. Yes, you do need more protein but, up to a point (1.2 – 2.0 grams per kg bodyweight). Protein foods are very filling so you don’t want to overload on protein at the expense of not consuming enough total calories, carbohydrates and fat.” Spano
Georgia Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics hosts a toll free nutrition hotline, 1-855-DIET-411 (855-343-8411) in honor of National Nutrition Month on Tuesday, 6-9 p.m. Or join the conversation online http://www.ustream.tv/channel/diet-411
