AAI Q and A: Sea Salt, Blood-Type Diet, and Eating on the Go

Dear AAI: Is sea salt more nutritious than table salt?  

Dear Reader: The hype of sea salt has made consumers believe that sea salt is a vast improvement upon regular old table salt, but they are wrong. Sea salt and table salt have the same nutritional make-up. The differences in minerals between sea salt and table salt are so small, that there is not difference in eating one over the other. The only thing sea salt hold over table salt is that it has a more intense flavor, allowing you to use less.


Dear AAI: My friend was considering going on the blood-type diet, will it really work?  

Dear Reader: The blood type diet has not been shown to work. The basic idea behind this diet is the premise that lectins interact with certain blood types and can cause weight gain. But, there has been no scientific data to support these claims. The diet restricts healthy foods that your body needs, such as carrots or tomatoes. So, even if your friend does drop a few pounds, it is only because he/she will be consuming more fiber-rich whole grains, lean proteins, and limiting processed foods. You can lose weight without going on the blood type diet though, by just being mindful and eating a healthy diet.

Dear AAI: I was in the supermarket the other day and was looking for bottled water and came across the new sustainable bottled water, what is the deal with this?  

Dear Reader: Many companies are now using more environmentally friendly packaging made from renewable resources. But, even though they are made from renewable sources, anytime you drink from a single-use water bottle, you are contributing to the waste problem. One solution is to buy a reusable BPA-free bottle, like the ones from Aladdin’s Recycled & Recyclable Water Bottle.

Dear AAI: I have been training on a Spinning bike lately and was wondering  what the difference was compared to a road bike?

Dear Reader: Between a Spinning bike and a road bike the calorie expenditure is similar and both provide a great cardiovascular workout. But, the Spinning bike is grounded, making it not as easy for the feel of balancing and leaning that you would experience on a road bike.

Dear AAI: I am so busy during the week and have no time to pack my own lunch, is there a way to eat fast food for lunch all week without breaking the calorie bank?  

Dear Reader: Nowadays fast food restaurants are trying to get in the health kick by adding more healthful menu items. While the picks are still slim, and packing your lunch could provide a healthier outlet, there are some choices. Here is a week full of menu items for you to enjoy a nice lunch out, all ranging around 400 calories. On Monday at Starbucks you can enjoy a Roasted Tomatoes and Mozzarella Panini (390 calories). Tuesday at Taco Bell you can have two Fresco Ranchero Chicken Soft Tacos (340 calories). On Wednesday at Dunkin Donuts you can order an Egg White Turkey Sausage Flatbread Sandwich (280 calories). On Thursday at Burger King you can enjoy a two BK Burger Shots and BK fresh apple fries (280 calories). And, on Friday you can splurge a little at Quiznos and order a Roadhouse Steak Sammie and Chicken Noodle Soup (405 calories).