Dear Readers:

 

I’m getting all kinds of questions and comments from a variety of places these days.  Some people comment directly to the blog, but others write to LinkedIn, Facebook, or drsukol@teachmed.com.  Some are letters of encouragement, whereas others are better described as letters of discouragement, like the one from the British gentleman who dreads coming to the U.S. on business because he can’t find a decent meal made with real food.  Any takers for that?

 

I have collected a few of these letters for you — maybe you’ve had some of the same questions or thoughts. 

 

Happy Holidays!

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Dear Dr Sukol,

“Thank you for your reply. I have now read, with interest, all the posts on your website. I posted comments on a couple of them and also used the calorie counter website to look at the carbohydrate content of plain oats.

As I said in one of the comments, my doctor has advised me that I am borderline diabetic and need to take action, so I am looking for new ideas and will implement various changes. I downloaded your “4 Recommendations,” which is excellent, and will keep checking back for more useful tips.

Thank you for highlighting this information.”
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Dear Dr. Sukol,

“Thank you for your post on “Butter is Better.”  I am obese, having hit my all-time high of 287 pounds in September.  I had put on 22 pounds just in the first nine months of this year.  I have tried all sorts of diets: cabbage soup, Hay diet, Atkins, low-carb and numerous others, but none seemed to provide a lasting solution.

Nevertheless, I always disliked processed food and avoid junk food: I prefer to prepare from fresh ingredients, including plenty of fruit and vegetables, but the problem was always that I simply ate too much.  I still believe that butter is better and that so-called “healthy foods” merit closer inspection and a degree of skepticism.

I have lost the 22 pounds I gained earlier in the year, just in the past two months, by changing what I eat: grapefruit or pomelo for breakfast and lunch, with a small portion of meat and two veg for dinner.  Eggs for breakfast is one of my favourites, but I have cut it out, thinking that it would make me hungry and slow down my weight loss.  Maybe it’s time to re-think that idea?”

My reply?  Yes, definitely.

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“I have to say that the one thing I would dread most about living in the US is the food.  On my frequent visits there,  I am amazed just how unhealthy some of it is.  Even simple foods like bread are sweetened and it must be very difficult to avoid fatty, sugary,unhealthy foods.  In our office I see people drinking huge cups of Coca-Cola (or Pepsi/whatever brand) – literally more than a pint of it in one serving.  It is not surprising that the US has a major problem with obesity and no doubt us Brits are following your lead.  By P-, United Kingdom www.linkedin.com=”” miniprofile?vieweeid=”35450468&context=anet&view””>

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“Yes – I must say that the U.S. just loves processed food in all shapes and sizes. We’re a big society of convenience and laziness! There’s a lot to be said about making something with all natural ingredients not coming from a box. I’m no health nut, but within the last year I’ve given up all table sugar and soda (even diet soda) and it’s made a difference in how I feel in general.”

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Here is my response to someone asking for information about a link between diabetes and high fructose corn syrup (HFCS):

Dear P-,
There is actually quite a lot of evidence demonstrating a link between diabetes and the consumption of HFCS. Here’s an article from Diabetes Health, a reputable journal that publishes especially for informed diabetic patients. http://www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2009/03/10/6113/link-seen-between-high-fructose-corn-syrup-consumption-and-insulin-resistance/

 

And his response–

“I appreciate the feedback. I understand this subject is quite touchy, especially if commented on by folks with links to the processed food or corn growing industry, which can both be biased. It is nice to have impartial 3rd sources!”
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Dr.Sukol-

I was interested in this product called Chia Seeds. What’s your take on this product and if recommended, how would you use it?

E- S-

Dear E.S.,

I did some checking and learned that chia is an edible seed that is extremely rich in fiber and omega 3 fatty acids.  A native plant of southern Mexico, it is becoming more well known globally. Seeds are available online and in health food stores.  I have never eaten it, but my daughter has, and she was delighted by your question.

If you have ever eaten flax seed, chia has a number of similarities.  It has a nutlike flavor, and can be sprinkled (ground or whole) in yogurt, cereal or salads; eaten plain as a snack; or ground and mixed with flour when making muffins or other baked goods.  It would also make a great addition to homemade trail mix with dried fruit and nuts.

Chia can be stored for very long periods because it is so rich in antioxidants and, unlike flax, it does not need to be ground to make its nutrients available to the body. 

I think I’ll buy some and try it next time I’m at the health food store…

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