Tag Archives: dietitian
October 3, 2017

Posting my article which appeared in The Times of India, Bangalore edition on Sep 27, 2017 –

DIET FOR A HEALTHY HEART

One of the ways to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases is by eating healthily.

While non-modifiable risk factors like age, gender, race and heredity, play an important role in determining whether or not a person will fall into the trap, modifiable risk factors like excess weight, abdominal obesity, high LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood pressure, low HDL cholesterol, diabetes, sloth, stress and smoking also contribute to this killer disease.

The foods you choose could play a significant role in protecting against heart disease or predisposing you to the problem.  Let’s look at some of the foods that can either help you or harm you –

  • Fruits and vegetables. Fibre, antioxidants and micronutrients present in these foods have an immensely beneficial effect on the cardiovascular system.
  • Fats & Oils. In excess, they contribute to overweight and abdominal obesity (large waistline), which become risk factors for heart disease.  Trans fats in particular, have been associated with a much higher risk for heart disease.  Omega 3 fats and monounsaturated fats have been shown to reduce the risk of heart disease.
  • Animal foods were earlier considered to be enemies for heart health. But recent research shows that not all animal foods are bad.  Red meats and processed meats are shown to increase the risk much more than white meats, eggs and dairy.
  • Foods that are high in added sodium (salt, MSG, baking soda) increase the chances of high blood pressure, more so in salt-sensitive persons.
  • Refined sugar, sweets, desserts, sugary beverages contribute to excess weight and high triglycerides, both of which are risk factors for heart disease.

Bottom line is to eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, millets.  Include some nuts, seeds and dairy in the daily diet.  If you are a non-vegetarian, take eggs or fish 2 to 3 times a week.  Drink adequate fluids, keep yourself physically active, avoid tobacco in all forms, de-stress, and consult your physician if you are at risk.  Maintain your weight and waistline within normal levels.  Do consult a qualified dietitian for a personal diet plan and maintain your heart health!

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April 28, 2017

Hi Friends.  Of late, there have been many queries and concerns regarding nutritionists giving messages on various social media groups.  To make matters clear, the Indian Dietetic Association which celebrates Dietetics Day on January 10 of every year, brought out the theme “Consult a Dietitian – Get Fooducated” in 2017. Fortunately for our members, the theme and it’s related articles in the media went viral and a number of people realised that it’s important to consult a qualified dietitian or a qualified nutritionist to ensure that they receive correct advise based on scientific evidence.

Here’s the link to a short video (1.2 minutes) that I made on the theme – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bk3q4sXBC1M

Do feel free to share the video and this post.

I’ll be back soon with nutrition updates.  Have a super day and a great weekend!

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July 15, 2013

Feels good to take a break from routine.  I’m back from a fabulous, fun-filled vacation and will resume writing from today.  If you have anything interesting to say, please do write.

Not sure if any of you read my articles on ‘Lactose Intolerance’ and ‘Ragi’ in The Times of India.  If you did, comments are welcome.

I came across an article in Reuters which said there is no scientific evidence to support blood-type diets.  I felt good after reading it.  Nutritionists and dietitians have been saying over and over again that fad diets for weight loss are just that – fads – and no matter what fad diet you try, it doesn’t work in the long run.  The best and healthiest way to lose weight is to eat sensibly and exercise regularly. So, if you’re planning to go on a weight loss program, please do so with the help of a qualified dietitian, and do not fall for advertisements which promise quick weight loss.

 

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March 16, 2013

I loved the recent statement made by the President of Academy of Nutrition & Dietetics (formerly known as American Dietetic Association), Ethan Bergman.  He said “All Registered Dietitians are Nutritionists but not all Nutritionists are Registered Dietitians”.

Although registration is not yet mandatory for all practicing dietitians in India, it’s only a matter of time for this to happen.  Basically the registration process separates the qualified dietitians and nutritionists from the quacks, semi-qualified and unqualified ‘nutritionists’.  This difference can matter a lot to the health and well being of the public.

If you need professional help with your food / diet / nutrition, approach a qualified person.

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February 19, 2013

I came across a news item recently that mentioned the top 5 diet trends for 2013 in the US.  The article said that the trends have been derived from a nationwide survey answered by 200 registered dietitians.

Here are the 5 diet trends –

  1. Natural and simple foods with few ingredients and minimally processed are ‘in’.  Low carb is ‘out’.
  2. To lose weight, consumers will look for wheat belly / gluten free diets along with commercial diet programs.
  3. Dietitians, social media and smart phone apps are the top 3 resources for nutrition advice.
  4. Consumers will focus on eating high quality calories. It’s not about the total calorie intake but where the calories are coming from.
  5. Fruits and veggies remain king.  Consumers will look to include more plant based foods in their diets.

My take on this – most of these trends can be applied for Indians too.  However, I would not go with commercial diet programs or gluten free diet plans as a means to lose weight.  If you’re looking to lose weight, approach a qualified dietitian for help.

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