I am a freshman just starting out with my journey to become a registered dietitian and I find there is a lot of information out there about health, some of which can become quite confusing. To start off the Q&A blog, here a few questions I find confusing. I hope I can clear up a few things for everyone else too!
Dear AAI: I keep seeing a score next to my favorite cereals in the grocery isle, what is this number mean, and where is it from?
The scoring system is called NuVal, which is a new nutritional scoring system developed by a team of leading experts in the health fields to allow consumers to further their knowledge of foods with higher nutrient quality. The scores are based around the Overall Nutritional Quality Index, an algorithm for measuring nutritional quality of foods. The NuVal system quantifies the presence of more than 30 nutrients, and measures for quality of protein, fat, carbohydrates, calories, and omega-3 fatty acids. It also takes in account how these nutrients influence health. A simple description of the system is this: nutrients with favorable effects on health are placed with higher number values, while nutrients with generally unfavorable effects on health are given a lower number. For example, bananas have a score of 91, while Crunchy Cheetos have a score of 5. For more information visit NuVals’ website. The system has already been included in some grocery stores, Hy-Vee being the prime example.
Dear AAI: I have seen in the refrigerator section packets of noodles in a clear liquid bag that are supposed to be “miracle noodles”, what are these spaghetti like noodles?
These “miracle noodles” are called Tofu Shirataki Noodles, which are made from tofu and yam flour and are sold in the refrigerator section. They come packaged in cloudy water, and have strong fishy smell. They are called the “miracle noodle” because they have only 20 calories per 2 oz, compared to spaghetti, with 180 calories per 2 oz. But, are they that much better? Shirataki Noodles have 0.5 grams fat, 3 grams carbohydrate, 2 grams of fiber, and only 1 gram of protein. Compared to spaghetti, which has double the fat, 10 times the carbohydrates, double the fiber, and eight times the protein. Shirataki Noodles also require to be drained, rinsed, pat dried, and nuked in the microwave. They might have less calories and carbohydrates, but for sticking power, and less smell, I would stick with spaghetti, but make it whole wheat.
Dear AAI: I know that different states play a role in the health of you, but are there any states that are more health concise than others?
Yes, there is. The state you live in can play a big factor in your health; even if you eat sensibly and are active. So, what are the best places to live for you health? Ranked number one, according to SELF magazine, is Burlington-South Burlington, Vermont, because most residents walk to work and also because they have six times as many organic food produces and food co-ops than average places. And, they least healthiest place to live is Tulsa, Oklahoma, because of its many fast food restaurants per capita and above average risk of death from cancer. Go to SELF.com to check out your hometown.
Dear AAI: I am currently training for my first marathon and was looking at ways to prepare and saw an article about carb-loading, what exactly is carb-loading?
There are two types of carb-loading: classic and modified. Classic is used one week before the event, and the main goal is for depleting glycogen. This is done by a low carbohydrate intake (10%) for 3-4 days. The last 3-4 days before event, carbohydrate intake is then changed to 90% of energy intake. The other method, modified, is when depletion of glycogen does not occur. Instead, the first 3-4 days (week prior to event) energy intake is 15-20% protein, 20-25% fat, and 55-65% carbohydrate. The last 3-4 days of the week, switch your carbohydrate intake to 70%.
Now I would like to clear up a question I get all the time from people when they hear my major: Is there really a major Dietetic-Journalism?
Why yes, there actually is, and that is my major! I get this question because people think I am doubling majoring (I am, but in exercise science) but actually, Dietetic-Journalism is considered one major, and no one from the University of Nebraska Lincoln has completed it. I have also not found another college with this major. For this major I will have to take the dietetic internship and pass the R.D. exam, but I will also get all the credits for a background in News/Editorial. My classes will range from medical nutrition therapy and biomolecules & metabolism to advanced reporting and principles of editing. When I graduate I can pursue a career in public health, nutrition journalism, or just be a registered dietician. I hope to become a Sports Nutrition writer, since I am doubling in exercise science.
I hope you enjoyed the Q & A with me this week and I look forward to any questions you have!
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