Happy National Nutrition Month!

Nutrition plays such a big role in our overall health and means something different to everyone. Some people may be trying to consume less salt, some may be following a consistent carbohydrate meal plan, some may trying to drink more water, or eat more fruits and veggies. Whatever nutrition means to YOU, we’re here to help!

In today’s blog, I thought it would helpful to answer some common nutrition-related questions.

Q: Are Carbohydrates bad for me?
A: Absolutely not!! Carbohydrates are broken down in your body as its main energy source. Without carbohydrates in your diet, you may start to feel sluggish, tired, and/or worn out. Some carbohydrates are better for you than others. Choosing the “complex” carbohydrates over the “simple” carbs is the best choice. Complex carbohydrates are the carbohydrates that contain fiber; examples include whole wheat bread or pasta, brown rice, peas, beans, fruit, and oatmeal. Simple carbohydrates include soda, white bread, pasta, and rice, and sweeteners like table sugar and honey.

Q: Are egg yolks okay to eat?
A: Eggs have gotten a lot of hype lately. The yolk of an egg contains many vitamins and minerals essential for our overall health. They also contain dietary cholesterol. Because the egg yolk contains dietary cholesterol, some people have been told to “throw the yolk away” and only consume the egg white. BUT for most people, regular egg consumption does not increase your risk of heart disease or stroke. In this same study, it was found that more research is needed for those who have been diagnosed with diabetes.¹

Q: What are some protein alternatives if I don’t want to eat meat?
A: Protein is needed in your diet to help maintain muscle mass and promote muscle growth and repair. The first thing that pops into my head when I think of protein is meat, such as chicken, pork, turkey, fish, and beef. But there are many other options that can be eaten to help you reach your protein requirements. Quinoa, a small seed, is packed with protein! Hemp seeds are another plant-based protein sources that can easily be added to a salad to help you reach your protein requirements. Other options include beans, soy, milk, lentils, tempeh, or tofu!

Do you have any additional questions? Do you need help meal planning or making sense of nutrition recommendations you’ve been told? Are you looking for some tips and tricks to living a healthier life? Schedule a nutrition consultation with a Registered Dietitian in the month of March for half the price!

Health & Happiness,

JoAnna Weinand graduated from the University of North Dakota in 2013 as a Registered Dietitian and started her career in New Mexico, working with many different disease states including diabetes in children and adults, kidney disease, malnutrition, weight management, and many different gastrointestinal diseases.

JoAnna has an adventurous spirit and her career has taken her from many different places, from New Mexico, to California, North Dakota and Alaska. She has worked in many different settings including hospitals, dialysis centers, skilled nursing facilities, gyms, and within the community with youth and adults in Alaska.

JoAnna has always had a passion for nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle. In her spare time, she loves to travel, mountain bike, rock climb and backpack. Living back in Minnesota, she also loves to spend time with her family.

JoAnna believes that nutrition is not “one size fits all” and each nutrition plan should be tailored to meet an individual’s needs. JoAnna enjoys working with many different disease states and developing the right plan so each person can reach his or her own personal goals.

 

References

¹Qureshi, Al, Regular egg consumption does not increase the risk of stroke and cardiovascular diseases. Accessed 26 February 2019.