Most Frequently Asked Questions About Nutrition

Q: What do you think about the Atkins diet?
A: The Atkins diet is high in protein, and very low in carbohydrates. Dr. Robert Atkins, the diet's author, recommends that people get their cholesterol checked before and two weeks after starting the diet. Thirty percent will find that the diet makes their cholesterol levels rise. The balance of carbohydrates and proteins make for initial rapid weight loss. The pace of this loss does not continue. Year-long studies have shown no differences between weight loss on this diet and on more traditional, lowfat diets. The diet is not recommended at all for people with hypertension or diabetes, nor for children under age 12. The diet should always be done under a doctor's supervision.

Q: I never eat after 7:00. Does that help me lose weight?
A: Many people have heard that they shouldn't eat late at night. This is true if you have gastric reflux. With this condition, food eaten late may flow back into your esophagus, when you lie down to sleep. This results in pain and burning. However, if you eat late, it does not effect your ability to lose weight. What counts is the total number of calories you eat versus the amount of energy you use.

Q: I just found out I have diabetes. I never eat sugar. How can I have diabetes?
A: Avoiding sugar entirely will not prevent diabetes. We do not know the cause of diabetes. It is often related to overweight and inactivity, but sometimes even slim, active people get diabetes. Diabetes is also related to genes. If you have one parent with diabetes, you have a 50-50 chance of developing it yourself.

Q: My doctor has told me to "watch the salt". How much is OK to eat?
A: For most people with hypertension, sodium should be limited to 2400 milligrams a day. That is about one teaspoon of salt. People with severe hypertension or congestive heart failure may need to limit sodium even more. Check with your doctor or registered dietitian. Even if you don't add salt at the table, you may still eat too much. Read the Nutrition Facts portion of the food label to look for sodium.

Q: I've noticed a lot of billboards recommending milk for weight loss. What's that about?
A: There are now a number of studies that indicate having two servings of dairy products a day can help promote weight loss. A serving is one cup of milk or yogurt or 1-1/2 ounces of cheese. This is the recommended adult consumption. Teenagers, pregnant and lactating women, and people with osteoporosis need more.

Q: Should I take vitamins?
A: People who eat nutritious meals may not need extra vitamins. However, many people do not eat well-balanced meals. The nutrients most likely to be in short supply for average people are iron and Vitamin B12. Iron is especially needed by children and pregnant women. However, extra iron can often be detrimental for men. Older people do not absorb Vitamin B12 well from food. For them, it is recommended to take a supplement. Calcium is often lacking in diets at all ages. If you don't like or don't tolerate dairy products, you may need a calcium supplement.

Q: Are carrots bad for you?
A: Carrots are a good source of beta-carotene, which we need every other day. Other sources are dark green vegetables, and bright orange foods such as cantaloupe, and sweet potato. Raw carrots, if eaten to excess, can cause blood sugar to rise. It would take about 10 carrots to get this effect! Most people do not eat this amount at once. If you do eat carrots, stick to about one per day. Eating more may turn your skin bronze from the extra beta-carotene.

Q: My three-year-old will only eat one kind of food? What should I do?
A: Pre-schoolers often go on food jags, during which only a limited number of foods are eaten. This is normal and will eventually end. In the meantime, continue to offer a variety of foods. Try not to get too upset if foods are rejected. No child ever willingly has starved himself. Don't offer sweets, or juice, or more than two cups of milk a day. These foods often spoil the appetite if too much is consumed.

Q: Is it better to eat vegetarian?
A: Vegetarians tend to have less risk of certain kinds of cancers, and of heart disease. This may be because of their diet, since fruits and vegetables are known to help prevent cancer and heart disease. However, vegetarians may be generally more conscious of their heath, and avoid smoking and other risky behaviors, like not exercising.

Q: I try to watch how much my child eats, but she keeps on gaining too much weight. What should I do?
A: Stop limiting her portions. Children will sneak food if the parent tries to limit portions. The parent should decide what foods are brought into the house, but the child should decide how much to eat. Turn off the TV. Studies show that is the main treatment for effective weight control. If you need more help, ask your pediatrician for our parents' booklet "Feeling Good". Also, Austin Regional Clinic periodically offers a weight control education group for children ages 9-12. See this website for more information.

Q: What's the difference between a nutritionist and a dietitian?
A: The term "nutritionist" has no legal definition in Texas. A registered dietitian is a licensed professional with at least a Bachelor's degree in nutrition, who has passed a national qualifying exam, and maintains continuing education requirements. In most states, a registered dietitian is the professional who is qualified to provide medical nutrition therapy.