Below are some frequently asked questions regarding healthy food.
Do manufacturers add sugar to low fat milk to make up for lost flavour?
No, but it can be confusing because when you look at the nutrition panel on the back of the light milk it contains more sugars. However if you look at the ingredients it only has low fat milk and nothing else is added The extra sugars are natural sugars (lactose) in the milk, once the fats are removed the producers top up the amount with extra milk which contains the extra lactose.
Are fresh veggies better than frozen?
Not always, often the frozen vegetables are processed and snap frozen soon after picking which helps to retain as many nutrients as possible. Frozen are also convenient because they are already trimmed and there is less waste
Is sea salt, pink salt or Himalayan salt a healthier alternative?
No, all salt is all the same. Sea salt has a milder flavour when it is not cooked when compared to table salt but our bodies recognise it the same way.It is much better to enhance flavour by using herbs, spices and lemon or lime to really enhance flavour.
Should I avoid fruit because it has a lot of sugar in it?
Fruit contains its own natural sugars but it is healthy and contains other nutrients such as vitamins, fibre and minerals. So it is fine to have fruit everyday as long as you don’t overindulge.
Is sourdough a better choice than white bread if I have diabetes?
Yes, genuine sourdough has a very long fermentation process that breaks down a lot of the starches so it has less effect on your blood sugar levels
Are nuts fattening?
Eating a small amount (a handful) of nuts everyday is great for your health; nuts contain healthy fats and plenty of fibre. Research shows that eating a handful of nuts a day can actually help in managing your weight.
Will eating eggs make my cholesterol high?
Eggs contain cholesterol but our body doesn’t tend to absorb it, so they won’t increase your cholesterol. Eggs are a healthy choice to make if they are poached, scrambled or boiled, you can even fry them in a non-stick pan. Eating a moderate amount every week can be part of a healthy balanced diet.
Which foods help to stop me from being hungry?
Generally speaking food with protein or fibre helps to keep you from being hungry between meals. Be sure to include a source of protein such as lean meat, chicken, fish, low fat cheese or legumes (beans and lentils) with each meal, also include some salad and veggies because they have lots of fibre. Including these in your meals and snacks will help to keep you feeling full for longer.
Is eating a gluten free diet healthy?
No, not unless you have been diagnosed with Coealic Disease. Gluten is a protein in some grains such as wheat, rye and barley; Coeliacs have an allergic reaction to it. But for most people it is very important to include these grains in the diet because they are important source of fibre and help to keep our gut bacteria happy. Check with your health professional before eliminating any food groups from your diet.
I have been told eating processed meat is bad for me, which meats are they?
Processed meats have been through a process to extend their life and enhance their flavour; this often involves adding fat, salt and other chemicals. Things like salami, chicken loaf, jerky, frankfurters and hot dogs, ham, bacon, Spam and other deli meats fall into this category and they are best to avoid. Try roasted meats such as turkey, roast beef and chicken as an alternative.