Discussion

Say Yes to Food

Say Yes to Food

Too many of us focus on food as something we shouldn't have. Susan Mitchell, Ph.D., R.D., takes a new approach to better living without denial and deprivation. She can help you understand the power of good nutrition, and give you tips on attitude, behavior and motivation.

 

menu planning & cooking for one person (diabetic friendly)

I need ideas for cooking for myself (I live alone and work full time). I am diabetic. I need quick easy and reasonably priced meals. Also would like to lose 20lbs.

Blood test high in MERCURY

I am trying to find out how much fish or sea food would one have to eat for their blood to be high in mercury?
I eat fish mainly Pickeral once weekly; shrimps once a week or sometimes every two weeks. I also take 1000 mg of Omega 3.
The only other changes that may produce mercury is the flurocent light bulbs, however I am not overexposed to them!
I've been drinking out of a stainless steel water bottle since a while before these blood test! I doubt this would have anything to do with it!!
I am not working, am 45 yrs, not yet in menopause, and live in the country! There is no exposure of any plants or factories remotely close to my house.
Any suggestions?
I will stop eating fish and keep taking my Omega 3 and have blood test done in 3 mths time! I will also buy the covered bulb, which surrounds the florescent light in pretecting against the mercury... I don't know what else to do!!! Hope you can help!
Thank you so much~

a healthy diet/exercise program for energy

Hi. I am looking for a healthy diet and exerciese program for 2009 that is focused on energy. I am working my own business and writing a book. I need energy and I can't afford to be sick. I only want to lose about 20 pounds or so. It's more about health. These fad diets don't at all work for me, and I don't think they are healthy. I am 44 years old, and would like to have the same energy I had when I was 10. Any suggestions, especially food and maybe supplements that are HEALTHY and will give me energy? thanks. Margaret

Organic growing

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. Been awhile. All is good here. Relaxed and almost to where I should be with my health. (sugar is within 80-100 range; BP 122 over 80; Weight down 73 lbs to 225) My program is with a Registered Dietition every other week with phone calls when needed) Home is now complete and still have plenty of time on the books to go back to work. (Have be checking into other careers that I have always been interested in) Also have been toying with the idea of my own business. (wife wants me to pursue this as I had one once before and worked well)

We have Rabbits to which we use thier waste to make a fertilizer. We scoop the droppings into a bucket which water is added. After setting awhile we use the water to fertilize our garden.

The results are amazing. Question is: Is this considered organic as we do not use any chemicals but the grain that the Rabbits are feed is store bought? Thanks Dr. Mitchell, Ken

Ken's Wife

Hi Dr.Susan:

With Ken home here now I have started to shop mostly every 2 or 3 days and purchase only enough to last that long. I am afraid that when I am at work he might eat alot and not the good stuff. This way we only have in the house what we need. No junk food. Only good snacks and not alot of them.

I am not sure if this is a good thing or not. Is this a good idea or should I go back to buying by the week?

Thank Yoy, Sue

smart shopping

Hi Sue,

Great to hear from you. I think shopping every couple of days right now is very smart. However, discuss this with Ken so that you two are on board together. This way, he doesn't feel tricked.

When someone is working on his/her emotional and/or physical health, it's great to have a partner to stand along side for support.

A team approach is so valuable. Ken has made some huge strides and with you as the co-pilot assisting, it's a great thing.

Shopping every couple of days puts the power in both of your hands instead of temptation in the center.

You two are a great example to others.

Dr. Susan

v8 fusion

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. All is okay as far as health. Took a leave of absence from work. Things were going back the way they were with little time to take care of myself so I am using my vacation, sick and personal time . (about 3 months worth.) Was getting so when I did come home from work, all I did was sleep. Here is my question.

This V8 Fusion, is it as it's nutritional value says it is? Fruits and Veggies together? Does taste good but am worried about it's value. Will be talking with my dietitian at the VA about it also. Appointment is a little bit away.

I have also put in a call to the VA to possibly set up some therapy. I think I might be a little depressed. Not a Quitter! Feel like it cause I left other people burdened with my work load. I know depression can lead to binge eating and I don't want that. Thanks for listening Dr. Mitchell, Sincerely Ken
Ken

V8 fusion

Hi Ken,

Always great to hear from you and I admire you for taking action for your health! Way to go. When you are healthy, you see life differently so always put your health first. You are worth it.

V8 fusion is a fine product but with diabetes, my suggestion is whole fruit over juice, even though the juice is 100% fruit and veggies. Here's why. Since juice is a refined product, it's missing the benefits of fiber to help keep blood glucose stable. This is very important with diabetes. Fiber also helps you feel full and satisfied.

I imagine your RD will agree but be sure and discuss it with her.

I hear what you are saying about depression and realizing it is a HUGE step. Please do follow thru with setting up therapy. One would NEVER label you a quitter.

Yes, Ken, you are smart to realize that emotions and eating are very much tied together. Food is so available and legal and can easily become a source of comfort. Have you ever felt that way? If so, perhaps think about a substitute. Everytime you feel like eating, listen to your favorite CD or take a brisk 10 minute walk. In other words, teach yourself that food is not the answer but something else that reduces stress is. Does that make sense?

Keep me up on what's going on.

Dr. Susan

juice plus+

What can you tell me about juice plus+ which is apparently fresh fruits and vegetables in a capsule. A friend has suggested i take this whole food product as a anti oxidant supplement. Thanks so much for this avenue and your radio segments. Sandra

where to get your veggies

Hi Sandra,

Thank you for listening. I hope you enjoy both the radio segments and podcasts.

Consider spending your money on fresh fruits and vegetables in season or frozen, even dried instead of on supplements.

There has been a lot of evidence-based research in this area lately and the concensus from health professionals is that real food is perferable to supplements.

The reason is the synergistic effect or synergy of the whole fruits and vegetable in their original form, not processed.

What science is finding and what this means to you is that when consumed as part of a healthy, varied diet these fruits and vegetables, interact (synergy) with each other and all of their vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients to provide health benefits that have not been known before.

These synergistic benefits come from whole, real food and that is very exciting.

Dr. Susan

oats at breakfasr

From the nutrition stand point,
which is better, milk or orange
juice with some oats at breakfast?

Thanks a lot

Breakfast selections

Hello frank509,

Milk provides a number of nutrients including protein and calcium. Juice provides other important elements such as vitamin C. Whole fruit is a good selection for it contains fiber as well.

Dr. Susan

Frozen Food

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. All is good for me. Have all my appointments with Drs & Nutritionists at VA. Health is good. All test came back good.

The snow up here is unbelievable. We have over 5 feet here. That is what prompted this question.

Even though I prefer fresh broccoli, are the frozen types in stores boiled or steamed? I know that boiling is not good for veggies as they lose their values. My Nutritionist told me that steaming and roasting not only increases the taste but keeps the Nutritional Values and the Anti-toxins intact. Does the frozen ones do so also? Thanks, Ken

frozen veggies are a good choice

Hi Ken,

Great to hear from you as always. Fantastic news that your health is good and all of your tests are as well. Way to go! You have worked hard.

I agree, frozen veggies are a good selection. Vegetables are typically flash-frozen very soon after being picked so they are not cooked yet.

You can steam them (keep the lid on), microwave (keep covered as well), roast and stir fry. All of these are quick, easy and preserve the nutrition, particularly when cooked with a cover.

Keep up the great work,

Dr. Susan

Hello snuggles08, You and

Hello snuggles08,

You and your husband have made some terrific adjustments in your life. I applaud you as it is hard to change old habits.

Consider asking your physician for a referral to a Registered Dietitian (RD) for medical nutrition therapy on diabetes.

The RD is the nutrition expert and can design a personal plan for your husband based on his doctor's diagnosis and findings.

Plus you get some one on one attention, direction and time to ask all kinds of questions.

Also, check the home page of the American Dietetic Associaion http://www.eatright.org for an RD in your area.

Go to the American Diabetes Assoc. home page. They have a lot of good information and cookbooks, etc.

Keep on keeping on as you are going in the right direction. Walking is great and the addition of whole grains in place of refined ones, fruit in place of juice and low fat dairy...all smart moves. Also include beans and lentils. Another smart move is to make sure a lean protein is included with the high fiber carbs at each meal. These and many other specifics are what the RD will tell you.

Dr. Susan

By SNUGGLES08
SNUGGLES08's picture

Diabeties

My husband was diagnosed with pre-diabeties & his 20 yr old son with diabetes. They put his son on a new "super pill" that keeps his reading around 80-100 while eating everything & anything. We are controling my husbands with diet & excerise and it stays around 120-150. This has my husband wanting to be put on this pill so he can go back to eating everything & anything. He has dropped about 20 lbs so far so I am guessing we are in the right direction but do you have any suggestions about what I can do to better his readings without pills?

Diet changes: no whites; now eating Nature's Own Wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, 1% milk, added salads to every lunch, fruits & veggies added to where potatoes & mac n cheese once was and down to diet sodas & no creamer in coffee. Excercise was 0 before this, now he is trying to walk 2-4 times a week (about 15 min walk). Thanks for any help you can give me!

Reg. Sex

This is a query regarding sex.

I believe that sex is that only when a man inserts his penis into woman's vagina and stimulates semen.

Recently when I was with my girl friend, we had a few kisses and I was lying on her during it. I and my girlfriend were completely dressed during this. During this I had ejaculated semen which has flown into my underwear and we got up immediately. There was no contact of any semen on her body. Does this mean we had sex and is there any possibility of she becoming pregnant??????

After this, the next month she is still waiting for her period. So I would like to know is that the reason for her period problem.

I would be happy if you could clarify this.

not my field of expertise

Hello Mrkumar,

Your question is outside my expertise of nutrition so I'm unable to address it.

Regards,

Dr. Susan

help with diet

i wonder if i should have a spicale diet since iam both a diebict and i have cirrose and what you would remend . thanks for you time .

medical nutrition therapy

Hello Sweetheart199,

Happy new year. I would suggest a consult with a registered dietitian (RD)for medical nutrition therapy. You can search the homepage of the American Dietetic Association (ADA) for an RD in your area: http://www.eatright.org

Your physician can refer you to an RD and may have a prescription for the medical nutrition therapy.

Dr. Susan

Triglycerides as food ingredient

I am concerned about ingedients I see in some high quality flavorings I put into soymilk shakes (a daily staple). These ingredients are emollients called "caprylic/caprioc triglycerides" and, I'm told, are common in foods and cosmetics - allegedly easy to digest and harmless. But: TRIGLYCERIDES. So one question is: are we talking about same type of triglycerides that doctors are always measuring in the blood? And is ingesting them - as distinct from whatever other way they may end up in one's blood - a significant problem?

food ingredients

Hello Emarell,

Caprylic/caprioc triglycerides are what is called medium chain triglycerides or MCTs. They are used for varied purposes such as in soap, in food as an energy source, etc. The food source is many times coconut or palm kernel oil.

MCTs are digested differently by the body than other triglycerides. Most food companies have a website with contact us information or an 800 number where you can ask questions about their products. This might help you find out why these ingredients are used, how much is used, etc.

DR. Susan

Caprylic/caprioc triglycerides

Thank you Dr. Susan. I had written to the company first.

Their answer was what I already knew: it's put in there as an emollient. Further, they indicated they aren't qualified to say more.

So... "are digested differently" unfortunately does not address the question of whether or not these are OK to eat. Anybody know?

triglycerides

Hello Emarell,

If the product that you are using is a food grade, meant for consumption item, then the ingredients must be fit for human consumption and be listed on the GRAS list...generally recognized as safe.

Whether or not they are healthy is all dependent on the source of the fat to make the MCTs, how much is used in the product, how much you consume, how often, etc.

MCTs are used in health care because they go directly into the portal system versus the traditional digestion of a triglyceride with a longer chain of fatty acids.

In terms of the human triglyceride level in the blood. It is more affected by a diet of refined foods particularly sweets, sugars and also alcohol.

Dr. Susan

oils

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. I was listening to a program on vegetable oils. The narrator said that the clearer the oil the more healthy it is. The darker ones have alot of additives. Is this true? What is the nutrional value of each?

I have gotten all the paper work and sent them back for my Drs. Appointment on November 9th.

Sue is going with me and she has done something I'm a little surprised at. She won't let me see her list of question for the Medical Staff. Say's I will hear them when we are there.

I had here help me with mine. She even threw in some suggestions. Have to go as time for my walk. Sue and I usually walk together but I like to go out by myself once or twice a week. Soul searching. Thank You Dr. Mitchell. Ken

selecting a healthy oil

Hello Ken,

Sounds as though you and Sue are prepared for your medical visits. Great...the more questions you have written down, the better advocate the two of you are for your healthcare.

In terms of oil selection, an oil is generally a better selection than a more solid fat such as shortening or margarine.

The healthiest oil is based on type of oil or rather the type of fat that makes us the oil.

For example, currently science states that monounsaturated oils are the most heart healthy. Olive oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all oils made up on large part of monounsaturated fat.

On the other hand, saturated fats/oils such as coconut for example are less healthy for the heart.

Does that help?

Dr. Susan

Diet after surgery

Hi Dr. Susan,

I'm in my twenties and I typically eat healthy and lead a very active lifestyle. However, I'm having major abdominal surgery in a couple weeks and I really want to stay healthy as possible as I recover. I was wondering if you could offer any advice on eating healthy when you don't feel much like eating. I had similar surgery 6 months ago and I really struggled with wanting to eat. Also, are there certain foods that can help in healing after surgery? Thanks so much for your advice and for your podcast!

diet post surgery

Hello Syintst,

Thank you for listening to the podcast! I have a couple of questions. Does your surgery require a special diet? Has your physician told you to follow any special medical nutrition therapy before or after the surgery? If so, have you spoken with a registered dietitian regarding the appropriate nutrition?

If you are told to eat as you feel like it, typcially you may have liquids and progress to solid foods per your doctor's orders and instructions upon release from the hospital.

There are drinks such as Boost that provide liquid nutrition when you just don't feel like eating. You can also make smoothies with fresh or frozen fruit, juice, low fat frozen yogurt and even add non fat milk powder or protein powder. I've made smoothies with peanut butter as well. Protein is important for healing and is a variety of vitamins and minerals on a regular basis.

Another consideration is small frequent meals of foods that you know you tolerate well until your system is back to normal.

Do you take a multi vitamin-mineral supplement currently?

Dr. Susan

Diet during recovery

Hi Dr. Susan,

Thank-you so much for your advice! I'm told that my surgery won't require any special diet, except for the typical preparation and recovery associated with being under general anesthesia. My surgery does, however, require several rounds of antibiotics and it is this that seems to really effect my appetite, perhaps combined with not being as active as normal.

I don't currently take a multivitamin, although I was wondering if that would be a good idea after surgery?

Thanks again

diet during and post surgery

Hello Syintst,

It's typically a good idea for someone to take a daily multi vitamin-mineral supplement during a time when they know that their appetite and/or diet may be compromised.

Also consider taking a probiotic supplement such as DanActive (a drink) or a capsule that contains probiotics such as acidophilus and other active cultures or a daily yogurt to put healthy bacteria back into your gut that antibiotics strip away.

Check with your doctor but consider starting this ahead of time and continue all the way through the time you take antibiotics.

Check with your pharmacist to see if you can take your meds with food as well.

Dr. Susan

Drs

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. Been a while but we have been extremely busy. We are moved into our new home and things are still a little hectic.

I will be in touch with the VA hospital Togus by the end of this week.

Per your advice, I have taken and written down all the questions that I want to ask the Drs and Dietician. Probably will be adding to them all week before I go.

My weight has dropped from 278 to 262 since the summer. Best thing that has happened is my blood pressure.

It never has been any lower then 140/90. For the last few months it has been 122/80. YaHoo!

Sugar is up and down but I'm suspecting that while I work I'm burning a lot more then I'm taking in.

My job has changed up here and I'm alot more active then I use to be. Plus with the physical work on our home added to it is even more.

My Question: If one becomes more active, does one need to increase the sugar intake? Will be asking my Drs at the hospital also.

Gotta run as it is almost time for me to call it for the night. Work in morning. Sincerely, Ken

diabetes control

Hello Ken,

EXCELLENT! Congrats on the weight loss and drop in your blood pressure. You and your wife have worked hard. I admire your efforts and the efforts have paid off handsomely in your favor.

Great, take your complete list with you to your doctor visit and a pen to make notes. Consider having your wife go along as your health care advocate since two minds are better than one when it comes to remembering everything you hear.

Be sure and take a list of all of your medications (both prescribed and over the counter). Changes may be needed.

Typically one does not increase the sugar intake when more active. Instead, if the total calorie intake is too low to keep weight where it needs to be or to prevent hypoglycemia, calorie increases may be necessary with an increase across the board in terms of protein, fat and some carbs.

This is best for your dietitian to address when you go in. Do you feel you have enough food for the day? Do you feel weak or lightheaded at any time? These are the types of things to be sure and discuss during your appointment.

It's important to eat a diet that has a mix of protein, fat and carbs at each meal or snack. Have your RD review this with you.

Does that help you to be prepared?

Dr. Susan

Restless Leg Syndrome

My beloved husband of 30+ years suffers from Restless Leg Syndrome. He take pain pills, sleeping pills, too many pills! Still he moves and kicks throughout the night. I would love to see his pain alleviated through diet and excerise so we both could get a good nights sleep. Any advise!

Restless Legs

Hello Sleeplessinlakemary,

I wish there was a diet prescription for restless legs! To date, there is not a nutrition tie. Does your husband exercise regularly?

Regular exercise and physical activity improve sleep. Even a walking program on a daily basis can be beneficial.

Dr. Susan

Restless Legs

Unfortunatly whenever he does excercise - hiking on vacation, snow skiing, etc. it aggrevates the Restles Legs Syndrome and makes it worse. I was just hope you could tell me he was lacking a vitamin or nutriant. Thank you!

help!

hi, i've been having problems with loosing weight like i try everything and loose nothing!!! how much fats protein and carbs should i consume in a day?
to loose weight.

i am 130 pounds and i want to get down to 110.

im 5'4

and i have a lot of body fat.especially on my legs.

please helpp
=[

weight loss and lifestyle

Hello Kayylluhh,

Losing weight can be very frustrating. I can hear you are at that point. Think about a couple of things, Kayylluhh. Weight gain happens over a period of time and weight loss is the same way. Unfortunately there is no magic bullet or pill or liquid, etc. If someone promises you that there is, it's a bunch of hype.

To lose weight and keep it off so you don't have to go thru this again, it takes a mental decision on your part that now if the time. You are ready for change and will make the changes necessary in your lifestyle. Weight loss that stays off is about living a healthy lifestyle today and over time...not a quick fix diet. That weight loss is gained back 90% of the time.

Then take a look at your lifestyle...how you eat, how much exercise and activity is in your daily life, etc.

Consider taking the free class here on ThirdAge called Weight Loss that Works. It will get you started with good information and a plan for healthy eating.

Dr. Susan

HELP

I have type 2 diabetes and you give me a menu for 1 wk to go by
Thanks
Carol

diabetes

Hi Carol,

Thank you for your email. We don't do customized menu plans. Two options would be to consider an appointment with a registered dietitian (RD)for personalized medical nutrition therapy. Also check out the American Dietetic Association website as well as the various diabetes websites such as the American Diabetes Association. You can find a lot of good information there as well.

Dr. Susan

Drs.

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. I have been in contact with the VA here in New Hampshire and they told me as soon as we are settled in Maine they will set me up with all the Medical Personel I need.

It seems that when I get to Maine, they are not only going to set up appointments, they are going to totally re-evaluate me. New Meds, New Nutritionist and complete Lab work.

We are using our barbecue alot and my question is: Can grilling Veggies Make them lose alot of their nutrients? Is it okay to Rub them with Olive Oil before grilling? Are Baked Potatoes better with or without being wrapped in Aluminum Foil? I know, more than one question, sorry.

Dr. Mitchell, (Sue Here)
Ken likes Lasagna but hasn't eaten it because of the Carbs. I was wondering if I use Wheat Pasta will it be okay? Anything else to help cut down on the Carbs?

Isn't she sweet? Only my wife would do that for me. Her favorite is Three Bean Salad. Gonna make it for her. Thanks, Ken & Sue

The times are a changin'

Wow you two,

You certainly are making some positive lifestyle changes. Way to go! I admire you both.

Grilling vegetables is a very tasty and healthy way to cook and a slight rub with olive oil is fine. They will retain more nutrients the less amount of time they are grilled.

Whether potatoes are wrapped in foil or not is a personal decision.

Whole wheat lasagna noodles are available and it would be smart to use them for their fiber content and nutrition. Check the stores in your area. I know that SuperTarget carries them under their Archer Farms label. Perhaps use less pasta and a bit more protein than you typically do in your lasagna.

Keep up the good work...I'm impressed.

Dr. Susan

breakfast

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. We went to an old fashioned country fair. The arts and crafts were unbelievable. But what impressed me the most was the many workshops that the older people put on to show how things are done at no charge. I wished I was half as knowledgeable as they are.

Then we came to a Revolutionary War Militia Reenactment. The way that the whole families pitched in together to help. The Women all came together to do the cooking for all. They even gave out samples of some of their dishes.

No additives, no preservatives and most of all very little fat. The meat was mainly wild game that was hunted and cooked. I was overwhelmed by the process that was used to cook. Time was the key ingrediant. I had some of the wild rabbit. The lady said that they soaked it over night in baking soda to take the gamey taste out.

I love breakfast and the home made sausage was unbelivable. Hardly and fillers and a lot of spices. I skipped the eggs and had a homemade muffin. Wild Berry. Not a coffee drinker so I had tea. One lady told me to put a strawberry in it instead of sugar. Is this okay? Strawberrys are sugar too aren't they? But was different and awesome.

It was placed high over the camp fire and cooked slowly. Each woman took turns turning the Rabbit as they all sat and made clothes or quilts. I have so much respect for those Ladies. Is the meat that is cooked like this better then conventional Baking? Tastes Better.

The Encampment was as real as could be made. Pits that they dug for cooking and other things were done so when the area was left. Nothing was hurt.

I even found out that pouring honey over a wound keeps it steril. Chewing on a certain root. (forgot the name) helps to ease pain. Nothing gets wasted. Even food is used over and over again. Stews and fillings. My taste buds have gone on strike since we came home.

I didn't do much tis weekend. Enjoyed myself too much. I wanted to try one of the pies but wanted one with no sugar. Lady said sugar substitue wasn't around then. Boy did I feel dumb. Well talked to much. I would like to ask that if the pastries that were made back in that time, did they have a lot of sugar? Ken

breakfast

Hello Ken,

What a great time you are having this summer. Good for you. Any time you have diabetes and use less sugar, it's a good thing. Using a fresh strawberry to sweeten instead of sugar is a tasty idea and if it is just one, is not like eating a serving.

I can't say that meat cooked over the camp fire is better for you than our methods today but certainly enjoyable and sounds as though they are using very little fat.

Pastries made in times past likely used whatever type of sugar product was available from honey to molasses or sugar. I would imagine that the sugar content would be high as well. Ask your RD to show you how to work a dessert into your diet plan once in a while so that you do not feel deprived. OK?

Have you been able to make contact with new medical professionals in your area?

Dr. Susan

Maine

Hello Dr. Mitchell;

This is Ken. Hope your vacation was great.

Sorry for not writing sooner. We have been extremely busy with the closing on our new property in Northern Maine.

We have put a big Travel Trailer on our site until our home is finished. I can't describe how the air is so crisp and clean.

I sat out in one of our lawn chairs for hours reading. When I cooked I used an open fire. Taste is unbelievable. Rarely have we cooked inside.

We go up on weekends as I haven't transferred yet. As soon as the power company puts the poles in Sue and I will be up there permanently.

I can't explain this but when I am up here I feel great. I'm not craving anything and the food that I am eating is in small portions. Not all that hungry.

Had to laugh first night there. Wife was outside in the moonlight giggling like a little school girl. When I went out to see, she was amazed by the lightning bugs. She said it was like they were putting on a light show just for her. A beautiful Lady, Moonlit night, clean crisp air, don't get no better then this.

My blood pressure is lower, little or no heartburn, and best of all, I grilled a native Trout on the grill with a little lemon sauce I made. Heaven is here on earth. Well enough of that, it's just that I'm so excited.

Now that I'm done ranting, Sue would like to know if making homemade beans cooked in the ground is okay for me? She wants to use Splender instead of brown sugar.

Thanks Dr. Mitchell, it might be a little while when I write back as I will be doing alot of traveling getting permits for the contractors. Sincerely, Ken

What a life!

Hello Ken and Sue,

Yes vacation was awesome. Thanks for asking. Well Ken, it's a long, long time in coming but finally you are on a great path and it sounds like your new home is paradise! I'm so happy for you both.

I can close my eyes and visualize the open fire and smell the fresh air.

Listening to you, it sounds as if you are now under much less stress and are able to find peace among your new surroundings. This peaceful feeling can definitely help diminish stress eating.

Yes, please tell Sue that making homemade beans in the ground is fine using splenda...you just keep portions in mind according to your prescribed diet plan.

Keep me posted on your news.

Dr. Susan

away for a couple of weeks

Hi Everyone,

I will be away from June 21st thru July 4th. Have a terrific 4th of July and send me your questions after that!

Dr. Susan

Cooking broccoli

I have read that cooking broccoli in the microwave destroyed much of the nutrients, but recently I read that steaming it caused the loss of nutrients, and it should be microwaved !! What is your opinion? Thank you.

preparing broccoli

Hello Calgal835,

The goal when cooking broccoli or any vegetable is to have as little nutrient loss as possible. Since some of the vitamins are lost in water, it's smart to either microwave or steam with only a small amount of added water.

Both of these methods can cook broccoli in a short amount of time. A longer cooking time is also tied to nutrient loss.

Don't forget to cover your broccoli regardless of which method you choose. This prevents nutrient loss thru the steam as well.

Hope this helps.

Dr. Susan

63 Grams

Hello Dr. Mitchell.

This is Ken. (and Sue) Yes salad did help keep me full enough to wait for supper.

Yes it is Carbs. The total Calorie count is 1500 per day.

What I did was use 252 Calories for each meal and 3 snack of 50 calories per day.

At first it was 2000 caleries a day and then to 1800. Now it is 1500. Never thought to change the Carbs. I think this was what my RD was trying to tell me.

Hi Dr. Susan, Sue here (no pun intended) Thanks for the straightening of the carbs issue. I thought it was kind of high. He listen's only when he wants to. (when it comes to food) Trust me, nagging will be my middle name. Boy am I going to enjoy this. He does listen to me and I think now that if I question something, we can get to the bottom of it a lot easier now.

Back Dr. Mitchell; I have been feeling alot better since I have been stopping with all of the snacks after work. Now need to get my sugar regulated. (he will, trust me...nag, nag, nag) Wife's humor. gotta run, Ken & Sue

carb grams

Hi Ken and Sue,

if your diet prescription has been modified to 1500 calories per day, typically for diabetes the range of carbs will be around 40%, give or take a bit.

This would be 600 calories per day from carbs or divided by 4 calories per gram=

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