Dear AAI: I love Cheerios, but for a late night snack I am always craving chocolate. I have seen the new chocolate cheerios, are they a good choice for late-night cravings?
-Chocolate Lover
Dear Chocolate Lover: I too love Cheerios and was very intrigued by the new addition to the Cheerio family. Chocolate Cheerios have 100 calories per ¾ cup serving and only 1 gram of fat. They do not contain much fiber (1g) or protein (1g), but only have 9 grams of sugar; which is pretty ok for a cereal, especially one made with chocolate. The ingredient list is not too bad either. The first ingredient is whole grain corn, with sugar coming in second. Also, the ingredient list does not read like a chemistry equation, and all the words are pronounceable! For a treat after dinner that is low in calories, fat, and sugar, chocolate Cheerios are a good choice to reach for.
Dear AAI: I hear all of these amazing health benefits for Acai berries. What are they and is there actual scientific evidence to back them up?
-Acai Skeptic
Dear Acai Skeptic: I’m glad you asked this question, because I just did a research report on acai berries. Acai berries grow in Brazil and are the richest source of antioxidants. They also contain amino acids, essential fatty acids, proteins, fibers, and plant sterols. There are a lot of nutritional claims, saying acai berries are a “super fruit” that will promote sleep, increase weight loss, and rejuvenate your mind. None of these claims have been proven, but scientific research has shown that acai berries do have high levels of antioxidants, and if eaten with a healthy diet could provide weight loss; just like any other fruit. If you would like an added source of antioxidants to your diet, I would definitely give acai berries a try, but do not expect dramatic results.
Dear AAI: I am training for a long endurance event and need a quick on-the-go source of energy. Would I be better off taking chewable Clif chews or eating a couple of raisins?
-Endurance Eater
Dear Endurance Eater: When training for an endurance event (longer than an hour) it is a very good idea to get a quick source of energy in your system if you are continuing on with activity. I have tried the Clif chews, and while they did provide energy, they were very chewy and I was in need of water. Clif chews contain sodium, potassium, caffeine, and sugar. They are designed to provide a source of carbohydrates and electrolytes; and they must be consumed with water. Raisins, on the other hand, contain one thing: dried grapes. Raisins are mostly carbohydrates and sugar, what your body needs when exercising. While raisins do not contain caffeine, their high sugar count will act like a stimulant. I think that Clif chews, and others like them, are a good source of quick energy during a long endurance event, but if you want a more natural alternative, raisins are the way to go.
Dear AAI: I read a lot about Michael Pollen, I love his book The Omnivore’s Dilemma, but who is he, and where did he come from?
-Pondering Pollen
Dear Pondering Pollen: Michael Pollen is a journalist from California, who is also a nutrition guru. His first book, which is also your favorite, was his claim to fame. His main message is “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” He is a critic of “nutritionism”, a term that refers to being obsessed with one nutrient, rather than actual food. His newest book, Food Rules, is a list of rules he believes in when it comes to nutrition, an example being: “Don’t eat breakfast cereals that change the color of your milk.” What makes Pollen different than other nutrition critics is that he takes a holistic standpoint and considers political, environmental, and economic factors affecting food.
Dear AAI: I have been watching the Olympics regularly and was wondering what their diet regimens are like, do you have any idea?
-Olympic Watcher
Dear Olympic Watcher: I also have been watching the Olympics, and I’m sure everyone is wondering just what Olympians eat to stay strong to compete as hard as they do. I have found that Olympians, according to the R.D that worked with the American swim team, eat a low-carb diet, which includes a lot of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and legumes. Most athletes eat small portions of meals all day, so that fat does not have time to store, and so that the athletes are never starving, since they eat every four hours. Athletes also drink water regularly and replenish electrolyte levels with Gatorade or other salt-induced drinks.
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