- Aug. 15, 2005
- Atkins Gone Belly-Up
Low Carb Fever cool-down has been a huge relief! Though some good things came out of the low-carb revolution:
But despite the new popularity "good" carbs like whole grain bread, oatmeal, bananas, carrots, long-grain rice, and smaller spaghetti plates, I still hear echoes of low-carb misconceptions among even my most nutrition savvy co-workers, family, and friends.
Comments like the following make me cringe:
"I love corn, even though I shouldn't"
"The only bad thing I do is eat flour"
"Beets are high in sugar so I cut them out of my diet"
"I don't do low carb any more, but I know potatoes are bad so I avoid them"
Is it my ethical obligation as a dietitian to inform them that potatoes, beets, and corn are quite good for you? Do I a break into a long monologue about white flour not being the best source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber but still having its place in healthy eating?
With a twinge of guilt for not correcting common nutrition confusion, I often let these statements go by to avoid a big discussion while enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my own lunch or dinner.
But later, when the opportunity is right, I will slip in my all-foods-in-moderation-philosophy and continue to spread the word that food-inclusion, not food-exclusion, is the best way manage your health.
And tonight, I'm going to eat the corn from my organic veggie box. So there.
- Awareness of overeating carbohydrate foods with few nutrients (like white bread and soda)
- Choosing less-processed and more natural foods
- Searching out healthier, nutrient-dense carbohydrates (like fruits and whole grains)
But despite the new popularity "good" carbs like whole grain bread, oatmeal, bananas, carrots, long-grain rice, and smaller spaghetti plates, I still hear echoes of low-carb misconceptions among even my most nutrition savvy co-workers, family, and friends.
Comments like the following make me cringe:
"I love corn, even though I shouldn't"
"The only bad thing I do is eat flour"
"Beets are high in sugar so I cut them out of my diet"
"I don't do low carb any more, but I know potatoes are bad so I avoid them"
Is it my ethical obligation as a dietitian to inform them that potatoes, beets, and corn are quite good for you? Do I a break into a long monologue about white flour not being the best source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber but still having its place in healthy eating?
With a twinge of guilt for not correcting common nutrition confusion, I often let these statements go by to avoid a big discussion while enjoying (or trying to enjoy) my own lunch or dinner.
But later, when the opportunity is right, I will slip in my all-foods-in-moderation-philosophy and continue to spread the word that food-inclusion, not food-exclusion, is the best way manage your health.
And tonight, I'm going to eat the corn from my organic veggie box. So there.
- Posted by:
- Tara, the RD
- Category:
- Food Matters
- Comments
