Nutritionist Nuwanee tells us two of her most frequently asked questions and her answers of which may surprise you, in the first round of the Dietician Corner.
I am in the gym many days out of the week interacting with clients and answering their questions to assist them in getting the best results possible. With several hundred members, the questions add up and it has become part of my daily routine to deal with them.
I hear some of these questions over and over and feel that I have some pretty inventive responses to them. So, since I am sure many of you have the same question(s), I have added two of them below.
Q: Is diet soda okay for my weight loss diet?
A: No. It is really that simple. I always recommend to my weight loss clients that they avoid diet sodas during a weight loss phase because very few people can add them into their daily diet and be successful. Of course there are those few exceptions (I am sure I will get emails from them), but I am not convinced. The science backs this up too. Researchers again and again find that non-calorie sodas (when they replace calorie-containing sodas), do not induce weight loss. Even using non-calorie sweeteners is not a sure way to induce weight loss. The better alternative is to drink water and teas. You can always add some flavor with orange slices, lemon slices, or my favorite, crushed mint leaves.
Q: I have heard, or my doctor has told me, that I should not be adding salt to my food, but I love the taste. What can I do?
A: Use No Salt or low salt, salt! What? Yes! Too many people use regular table salt in excess contributing to increased blood pressure. The research on this is very good and especially if high blood pressure runs in your family you should watch out. However, what we know as “salt” is scientifically called sodium chloride. And sodium is where the problem comes from since it is the molecule that induces the high blood pressure. There are some great “salt alternative” products out there called “No Salt” or “low salt, salt,” that use magnesium chloride instead. Magnesium is actually a nutrient that most Americans are deficient of because we do not seem to like to eat our fruits and vegetables. By adding in some salt alternatives, you can still get the great taste without the blood pressure problems.
Nuwanee Kirihennedige – Is a nutritionist and dietician that works with athletes and health minded individuals on sports performance and weight loss. Nuwanee currently is the nutritionist for the California Strength Academy in San Ramon California. Her research skills are second to none when it comes to translating research into results. Nuwanee can be reached at nuwanee@californiastrength.com