Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday! Today’s Q&A day…enjoy!
Have a question you want answered? Send it my way for the next Q&A! [email protected]! Thanks for all the WONDERFUL questions, you guys are super! 😀
Kate: Do you know anything about the way meat is processed now? I don’t eat much red meat, and I think my diet lacks protein in general. I eat a very low-carb dinner which lately has been an organic chicken sausage and a green vegetable of some sort. I need better ideas for protein…my husband won’t eat red meat at all and is pretty picky in general.. I really like sushi salmon but fish seems pretty limited during pregnancy so that’s out. I really try and buy organic chicken like the sausage but how do you really know? What else is safe?
Prevention RD: Hey, darlin’! 🙂 If meat processing is your concern, organic is the way to go. The term organic refers to the production standards by which food items are produced – no synthetic chemicals, pesticides, insecticides, or herbicides. Organic livestock are not injected with antibiotics of growth hormones. There are a lot of organic meats available – chicken, pork, turkey, beef, fish, and so on. Most recipes calling for red meat can be substituted with chicken or turkey such as tacos, chili, casseroles, sauces, etc. Pregnant women can safely eat up to 12 ounces (about 2 meals a week) of low-mercury fish and seafood such as shrimp, canned light tuna, salmon, pollock, and catfish. However, raw and local fish should be avoided. Other sources of protein include tofu, eggs, peanuts, cheese, beans, dairy, and peanut butter. Most Americans consume adequate protein, so I don’t think this is of too much concern. I would, however, add a whole grain starch to your meals and focus lots on fruits and vegetables, adding in meat you find appealing.
Jenn of Eat Move Love: Do you ever find yourself needing a “break” from nutrition given that it’s your job, you write about it, research, etc.?? Or if you weren’t an RD – what would you be?!
Prevention RD: Yes! There are some days that I feel like screaming if I have to listen to another diet recall, but it comes back to doing something I love. Because I am SO deeply invested in nutrition, I do find that I focus less on myself and what I need. I count carbs and calories all day…it gets tiresome! Thus, I find it hard to commit the time to doing it for myself! I will say that sometimes I slack on reading other’s blogs because I need a little “vacation” from nutrition and health…you know, to go enjoy a TV show or a walk with my husband once in awhile 🙂 If I wasn’t an RD, I would be a nurse or a research scientist. I still may go back to school for nursing if life ever opens up that door for me! My “ultimate” goal, however, is to be a published writer or journalist! I am beginning to compile some ideas and material for a book on diabetes and diabetic recipes. Thanks for asking about me, that was sweet 🙂
Ashley of Food Fotos and Fun: I’m curious as to how bad you think it is to consume the “top contaminated fruits/veggies” and not eat organic. I ask because I’m still eating at my college cafeteria which has very little organic produce. From the top list, I have about two apples a day, at least a few potatoes a week, and spinach fairly often too (all of which are not organic). Now obviously having such things every so often would be no problem at all, but do you think my higher consumption levels are of any concern?
Prevention RD: Firstly, rest assured that there are pesticide laws which are enforced by the FDA and EPA. These laws are designed to ensure that the produce making it into American homes is safe for consumption. However, this topic remains one of those gray areas for me. The aspartame in diet drinks is “safe” but does that mean we don’t need to limit our intake? Absolutely not. I think that investing in a produce wash and soak is the best bet if organic isn’t in the picture, and even then so! I posted a recipe for a produce wash here. Fully coat your produce in produce spray and manually rub the surface for 30 seconds or longer. As for leafy greens, soak them in a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and water and rinse thoroughly before serving. This is an effective and low-cost means of removing unwanted dirt, bacteria, pesticides, etc. If you take these steps to reduce pesticide ingestion, the benefits of higher consumption of the “top contaminated fruits/veggies” far outweighs elimination of them all together. I hope that helps some! Wonderful question!
Faith of An Edible Mosaic: I have a question about spinach, Nicole…I’ve heard that its nutrients are better absorbed if the spinach is heated first…is that true?
Prevention RD: While cooking any food doesn’t make it more nutritious, per se, there are certain foods that have more “advantages” when cooked. Spinach is one of them. The carotenoids, a form of vitamin A, found in spinach (as well as other dark-green leafy vegetables, red, yellow, and orange vegetables) are better absorbed when cooked. Another example: lutein – a phytonutrient in corn is best absorbed when cooked. Great question!
Aria: On Oprah, what about the apple cider vinegar comment?
Prevention RD: I am so glad you asked about this! I have to admit, I was a little disappointed that claim was made regarding blood sugars and apple cider vinegar. A few small studies have shown drops in blood glucose when apple cider vinegar is ingested. Things like cinnamon, magnesium, chromium, and other antioxidants have also suggested promising glucose lower effects. WebMD recognizes apple cider vinegar as “unproven treatment” and this should be no surprise as it is boasted as a weight-loss aid, lipid-lowering agent, and wart-removing topical…all in one! 😉
And in Celiac news….
Peptides responsible for the immune response to gluten were isolated and a vaccine has been composed. Phase one of the vaccine trial began in April 2009 on 40 participants. Phase one intends to indentify the safety of the vaccine. Assuming the vaccine is deemed safe, the next phase will involve treating Celiac sufferers and testing their response to gluten when ingested. If trials are successful, the vaccine could be available within the next 5-10 years [1].
[1]. Hall, Joanna. A Cure for Coeliac Disease, Hope for Millions of Sufferers. The Sunday Telegraph. News.com.au. February 7, 2010.
Random Question: On Valentine’s day would you rather receive roses or chocolate?
Have you ever read the book What to Eat? It’s written by an RD, and I found it to be a very good read. In the book, she makes the case that people who are pregnant (and not pregnant) really should not be eating as much mercury as the government claims is safe. What do you think about that idea?
Author
Hey Lily! I have not, but I want to read it — I’ve heard wonderful things! Fish containing substantial mercury should absolutely be avoided, yes. Most of the low-mercury fish and shellfish I listed are free of traceable mercury according to FDA research, and so I do feel comfortable recommending those as protein sources for pregnant women. Some research says that omitting all fish and seafood from the diet, even with trace amount of mercury, is more harmful during pregnancy than the risk of mercury to the fetus. I hope this helps…GREAT question!
And I meant to say fish with mercury.
Definitely chocolate, although roses might last longer 😉
I really love your Q&A posts!
Chocolate :D. Love the Q&A!
Those were interesting Q&As to read! Thanks for sharing them 🙂 I found the one about organic produce especially interesting.
And I would so rather have chocolate!
Ooh, great questions and answers– I’ve wondered about the “heating spinach” thing myself!
I’d rather have JEWELRY!!!! 🙂
Great q&a! I don’t like chocolate or roses. Can I have lilies instead?
Good to know about spinach. I prefer it cooked, but I used to use it in salads all the time. That’s an amazing goal to be a published journalist one day. You’re already well on your way!
Could I opt for both? haha
That is encouraging news about the possible vaccine for Celiac disease!
Hmmm…..I’m not a huge flower person, but I’d opt for roses. Only because I’d buy chocolates for myself, but not flowers. 🙂
Great news for Celiacs. Super post.
Great Q&A as always Nicole! I love reading all the questions 🙂
Should replacement shakes be used if your trying to diet?
Thanks for answering my question :-). And thanks for the Q&A in general – very useful! I could totally see you becoming a published writer/journalist too. Keep working towards your dreams!
Oh hands DOWN I would prefer chocolate! It’s funny that you asked that because last night I actually told Nick, straight up, I don’t want flowers, I want chocolate! I still have the flowers he gave me for my b-day, so chocolate is all I want 🙂
This vaccine against Celiac disease is super interesting. I just don’t know if I would get it though, if I had Celiac. Vaccines scare me. There would have to be a LOT of testing before I tried it! The diet for Celiac is hard at first, but then once you’re used to it it becomes second nature, you know??
Always wondered about ACV, thanks for tackling that one.
Although I love chocolate, I just love getting roses.
Great Q and A! Even being an RD, it is good to get a refresher. Thanks!
I love this FAQ. Thanks for that!
I’d rather receive roses, for sure. The last thing I need is a whole box of chocolates. I have binge, so I would probably eat the whole box at one time. It’s just not needed. I know my husband loves me without triggering a food monster. 🙂
Very informative ,love Q & A…..
I always love your Q+A’s. I feel like I learn so much! Didn’t know that about spinach for instance! And as for apple cider vinegar…I’d much rather just sprinkle cinnamon on everything I eat. It tastes WAY better.
Yay for Celiacs! I really hope the vaccine works out. That would be awesome.
Another nice Q&A. Since I’m trying to break my sugar addiction I’d gave to take the roses 🙂
What was said about apple cider vinegar on Oprah?
Hmmm I would have to say Tulips or Lillies…me no likey roses, unless they are white lol
If they could cure celiac how wonderful would that be? My boyfriends mom and brother both have it and it would make family dinners SO much easier!
Love the Q&A Nicole! Before being put on insulin, I did try the cinnamon, and while it may work, you need a lot to make any difference. I tried putting it in my coffee, but it turned out way too bitter, and no amount of splenda could fix it! 😀
Roses!
I always love your Q&As! I actually saw Oprah when they talked about the apple cider vinegar and was wondering about it…
Chocolate for sure – I’m allergic to roses and most of the other flowers 🙂
Thanks for the latest new on celiac disease! I hope it works!! 🙂
Definitely chocolate!! What kind of foodie would I be with just roses??!! 😉
cool love the q and a lol
I loved Jenn’s question especially. Haha, it’s nice to know that RD has their nutrition-hating days too! 😉
And gosh, wouldn’t it be great if they did come up with a cure for Celiac disease!
Great Q and A sesh! Im a huge flower girl, so I would absolutely love some roses!
You are so well educated and so are your readers! Very informative Q & A’s! Interesting response to Faith’s question. I knew tomatoes nutritional profile were increased when cooked, but I didn’t know the same about spinach and the other veggies you mentioned.
That is very good news for the sufferers of celiac disease.
I love your Q&As!
I would like to get roses AND chocolate!
interesting stuff! i’d heard that about cinnamon and wondered if it was true…i figure that if it works then great, but if not at least it still tastes amazing!
Yet another great Q & A! I’d prefer chocolate over flowers because it’s yummy and my cat always knocks over flowers in the house.
I hadn’t heard that about Celiac Disease. How exciting!! Is it wierd that I want to google it now? 🙂