10 Common Questions…
A Nutrition Coach Answers 10 Common Questions
Posted by Terrence Gordon March 10, 2022 No Comments
What foods are the highest in protein? Healthline.com
Seitan: 21g per ⅓cup
Peanuts: 20.5g per ½ cup
Tempeh: 15g per ½cup
Lentils: 8.84g per ½cup
Quinoa: 8g per cup
Hemp seeds: 5g per tbsp
2. What happens when you are low on vitamin D? Vitamin D is actually a hormone that is produced by our bodies with proper sun exposure, however, synthetic vitamin D can be purchased in supplement form. Low levels of vitamin D can be seen through muscle weakness, fatigue, pain, and even depression.
3. What are the healthiest fats to eat, and which fats should you try to avoid? Monounsaturated (nuts, avocado, olives) and polyunsaturated (walnuts and seeds i.e., flax, chia, pumpkin, sunflower, sesame). Saturated (mostly animal foods) and trans fats (animal and processed foods).
4. Do I have to cut carbs to lose fat? A sharp reduction in the caloric intake of ANY macronutrient (fat, carbohydrate, or protein) will result in weight loss, which is typically fat. This is especially true if the individual already has a higher than average BMI.
5. How much sugar is actually bad for you? Adults should consume no more than 30g/day, and children 7-10 should stay under 24g/day. Remember, ALL sugar not found in whole natural foods is a processed chemical and should be avoided whenever possible.
6. Should I try the keto diet? If you are specifically cutting carbs due to epilepsy or cancer, then yes, reducing ALL sugar intake is prescribed. But, in any other instance, processed and unnatural carbs should be avoided, while whole carbs are healthful and should be consumed as a part of a well-balanced diet. Who should not try the keto diet? Those with kidney damage, pregnant or nursing women, at risk for heart disease, type 1 diabetes, pre-existing liver or pancreatic conditions, and undergone gallbladder removal.
7. Should I go gluten-free? Generally no, there is no reason to avoid gluten unless you have been diagnosed with celiac disease by a medical professional. Instead, remove processed foods from your diet. Then slowly remove all forms of animal foods and take note of how you feel as your body adjusts to this style of eating.
8. What are the worst foods you can eat? NutritionFacts.org
Processed Sugar
Caffeine
Soft drinks
Processed/refined foods
Saturated fats
Animal protein
Processed Sodium
Cooking oils
Alcohol
Junk food
9. Why is healthy eating so expensive? No price should outweigh your health, but this article shows you can actually save money by eating a plant-based diet.
10. What is the best diet? Whole food plant-based, which differentiates from vegan. The majority (70% or more) of calories come from whole plant foods. Mediterranean is an example of a whole foods plant-based diet. A vegan diet strictly forbids any food or food product containing animal protein but does not specify exactly what TO eat. What are the healthiest foods a person can eat? Whole plant foods ie. fruit, vegetables, beans/legumes, seeds, nuts, and whole grains.