Diet and Nutrition

FAQs about Diet

Why one should not eat just before exercise?

During exercise skeletal muscles are activated and thus they need more blood supply. The blood supply to the stomach is reduced thus slows down the digestive process causing nausea, vomiting or uneasiness. It is best to eat 1 1/2 to 2 hours before exercise.

Does timing of food makes a difference if I want to loose weight?

Yes it does, a large meals just before retiring to bed especially high in carbohydrates enhances fat storage. For weight loss one should at least eat 3 hours before going to bed and meal should be light consisting of salads, soups, and vegetables.

What are good fats?

Not all fats are bad. Some fats are essential like omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. These are available in flax seeds, sesame seeds, olive oils, nuts like almonds and walnuts. These mono- saturated and unsaturated fats enhances the HDL or good cholesterol. The calories available from any fat is same thus these good fat should be consumed in moderation.

Does liquid diet like juices, tea, coffee etc contributes to daily water intake?

No any thing that contains caffeine or sugar causes dehydration as it has tendency to draw water from the tissue, also it causes weight gain. The exceptions are herbal tea or green tea. Your daily intake of water should be 8-10 glasses of pure water.

Which oil is the healthiest for cooking?

The healthiest oils is the one which consists of mono- saturated and poly unsaturated fat like oil that is derived from sesame, mustard, flax seed, olives, sunflower and safflower. Avoild oils containing saturated fats like, ghee, butter, processed hydrogenated oils.

What are empty calories?

It is other name to describe junk food. Empty calorie is high in calories and low in nutrition, lacking in vitamins and minerals like - french fries, fried chicken, deep fried food, alcoholic beverages, candy, aerated cold drinks, refined grains, cookies, biscuits, white bread and white rice.

What are antioxidants?

Antioxidants are nutrients in food that prevents or slows the oxidative damage to the body. When our body cells use oxygen they produce free radicals which damages the cells, these antioxidants prevents and repairs the damage done by the free radicals. Antioxidants enhances the immune system, lowers the risk of diabetes, heart trouble, cancer and infection, they are available in fresh and bright colored fruits and vegetables, beans, grains.

What is basal metabolic rate?

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the minimum energy used to keep a resting body alive. It includes maintaining the heart beat, respiration, maintaining body temperature and other autonomous functions. BMR approximately accounts to 1 kcalorie/kilogram (2.2 lbs)/ hour.

What do I do to prevent muscle cramps?

Muscle cramps is caused by muscle fatigue and build-up of lactic acid in the muscles. To avoid muscle cramps drinks at least 2 liters of water daily, it helps dispose the waste products from the muscles. Also deficiency of certain vitamins causes cramps, eating a banana daily helps reduce cramps.

Do you recommend the use of artificial sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are not recommended as they contain chemicals known to cause depression, anxiety and panic disorder in long run. Instead reduce intake of sugar or replace sugar with jaggary. If you want to have artificial sweetener steyia is recommended as it is natural and less likely to cause any side effects.