Nutrition Questions and Answers
Vital Health Zone is proud to announce Anastacia Sampson , who is our resident naturopathic expert and who is available to answer questions about nutrition and health.
Anastacia Sampson has a private practice and is available for consultation in a number of ways.
Anastacia Sampson will answer your nutrition-related questions.
Q: I'm a 22-year-old college graduate who has seen the light. I don't drink or smoke anymore, I eat only In-n-Out when I crave fast food, and I'm actually eating unprocessed foods for once.
Here's a list of my daily diet regimen that I usually eat for my breakfast-brunch:
- Banana
- Raw California Orange
- Raw Half a quart
- Whole chocolate milk
- Single serving of almonds (28 nuts)
- Single serving of carrots
My question is this: what would I have to eat - which foods, which vitamins, etc - to properly complement my diet in the spirit of the Food Pyramid set by the UDSA? Obviously I'm lacking some breads on the above list, in addition to any meat. What breads should I target, which meats, and what else do I need? More varieties of vegetables?
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A: Well done on striving for a healthier dietary intake! To begin, try not restrict your daily food intakes to limited selections within the whole food range!
Do try alternative nuts, such as pine nuts - they can be costly though in some countries. Generally all nuts are high in fats but chestnuts are lower than the rest (about 50%).
Your cereal intake does not mean that carbohydrates means bread. Bread is not essential but usually our mean source of cereal grains. Any wholewheat or heavy seed loaf will do fine. Also know that if you are not a bread person then there is brown rice, wild rice, rye grains, oats, maize/corn, barley and many other foods such as sweet potato, millet and potatoes (our common staple vegetable).
Preparation of foods is key, try not fry potatoes but rather bake. Incorporate any sweet vegetables such as sweet potato or gem squash into your daily diet. Fruits, seeds and lean meats are all lovely. The vital part is to have a variety. Fish, lean lamb, organic chicken or free range and soya foods. Watch out though as some soya foods (processed) may be high in other things such as salt (sodium).
You have begun well in your healthy way, just shop at a local whole food store and try different foods. You may be surprised, with herbs and spices your taste buds can learn to love vegetables!
Please note that the information provided is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat medical conditions. Consult with your medical physician regarding appropriateness of using supplements in your healing process.
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Enjoy better health!
