Your lifestyle may seem nonstop–dashing to work, picking up the kids, running errands, studying for exams, and more. Do you sometimes wonder how to get it all done and eat right, too? Relax. A nutrition expert can help you with food and nutrition know-how in no time.
Dear Nutrition Expert,
I know breakfast is important, but I just don’t have time to sit down for a morning meal.
Late for Work
Dear Late,
There’s no rule that breakfast has to happen at home. Try these morning rush hour options:
Toss a banana, a bagel, and some low-fat string cheese in a bag to enjoy at your desk. On your way to work, zip through your favorite quick-service drive-thru for a low-fat or fat-free muffin and fruit juice, or order whole-grain cereal with low-fat milk to eat later in your office.
Time still too tight? Stash a jar of peanut butter and a box of whole-grain or graham crackers in your desk.
Dear Nutrition Expert,
I worked right through lunch again, so my boss treated me to a burger and fries. Can this meal fit into my low-fat eating plan?
Overworked
Dear Overworked,
Of course! The good news is there are no “good” or “bad” foods–it’s your total eating pattern that counts. With smart planning, all foods can fit. You just need the know-how to balance out your choices over time. Getting the facts in writing will help. The next time you visit your favorite quick-service restaurant, ask for a brochure with the nutrition facts about their food.
When a burger and fries are on the noontime agenda, pencil in a breakfast of cereal, fruit, and low-fat milk. Later, whip up this speedy, low-fat supper featuring grains, vegetables, and fruits: While pasta is cooking, toss together a salad of prewashed lettuce, sliced tomatoes, green pepper rings, and reduced-calorie dressing. Top the cooked pasta with ready-made tomato sauce, break open a package of bread sticks, and dig in. For a quick finale, enjoy a bowl of fresh strawberries or sliced canned peaches and low-fat or non-fat yogurt.
Dear Nutrition Expert,
We’re heading for Bobby’s soccer game and his stomach is growling! What are some quick snack options?
A Concerned Mom
Dear Concerned,
Choose from lots of grab-and-go snacks to give Bobby the energy he needs to score big in the running and kicking department. To stop Bobby’s hunger pangs in a hurry, bring a “snack sack” in the car filled with munchies like pretzels, animal crackers, bite-size flavored rice cakes, and mini-boxes of raisins.
Dear Nutrition Expert,
On my way to final exams, I picked up a grilled chicken sandwich, a salad with “lite” dressing, an orange juice, and a strawberry low-fat sundae. How does my meal fit into the Food Guide Pyramid?
Hungry for Knowledge
Dear Hungry,
Congratulations! You pass the “variety is key to a healthful diet” test with flying colors. Your meal gets credit for at least one serving in each of the five Pyramid food groups.
Here’s how:
A nutrition expert is a registered dietitian (RD) who completes education and training in food and nutrition sciences at an accredited university and passes a national exam. An RD is a food and nutrition expert who can separate facts from fads and translate the latest scientific breakthroughs into practical food choices.
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