6 Healthy-Eating Secrets

Who better than registered dietitians to know the inside story on how to eat right? Check out the healthy-eating tips below from four fantastic registered dietitians from the American Dietetic Association. Got more questions? Click on each RD’s name to go to her profile page wall where you can post your own questions. With the holidays approaching, today is a great time to ask your nutrition and weight-loss questions.

1. The biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight

Kat Barefield: “The biggest mistake people make when trying to lose weight is believing or buying into the notion that the best way to lose weight is by drastically changing your eating habits and they typically do this by going on a diet because they are attracted to a quick simple solution and they can’t stay on this the rest of their life.”

2. Why fiber is really a secret health weapon
Marisa Moore: “A high fiber diet has been shown to:

• Help maintain a healthy digestive tract and reduce constipation.
• Regulate blood sugar levels in those with diabetes.
• Lower total and LDL (bad) blood cholesterol levels.
• Help with weight management by creating a longer feeling of fullness.”

3. How to stop pre-diabetes from becoming diabetes

Vandana R. Sheth: “Good food/meal planning, increased physical activity and weight loss (if you are overweight) can prevent the progression of pre-diabetes to diabetes. Research has shown that just a 5-10% of weight loss has shown a significant improvement.”

4. How food can lower cholesterol levels

Marisa Moore: “Foods rich in unsaturated fats can actually decrease total and LDL cholesterol levels.  Examples include canola and olive oil and a variety of nuts and seeds.  Foods high in soluble fiber can also help. Try beans and peas, oats and a variety of fruits and vegetables.”

5. Food’s natural powers
Judy Caplan: “Whole foods are better than supplements because there are many compounds in foods like fiber, nutrients, phytochemicals, and enzymes which cannot be reproduced in a lab and some of which may not have even been discovered yet.”

6. A heart-healthy secret ingredient
Vandana R. Sheth: “Flaxseeds are a rich plant-based source of omega 3 fats and fiber. Both of these play an important role in maintaining heart health.”

Research by Cathy Poley

File under: Expert Spotlight, In the News