A Nutritionist is a contact you want to have on your phone. Walking down the a grocery Isle, thinking about your changes you have made, and your are looking for a cheeky little excuse to have a treat, who do you call... ghost -- No, no.. you call your Nutritionist friend ;)
Here are some of the burning questions I find many people have for me if we meet for the first time and they find out my profession:
Three Meals a day, or multiple?
Three meals a day! It absolutely depends on my a persons blood sugar, thyroid health and past dietary habits, but I am more often than not pulling my clients back to three main meals a day. I encourage clients to eat to satiety and teach them to calm insulin and balance hormones naturally. All grazing does is leave you full of insulin (a hunger hormone that stops fat burning and makes you want to snack more). Excessive levels of insulin in your bloodstream can also indicate the first stage of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome.
But, that being said, there are many a factor that might make it better to have multiple smaller meals, depending from person to person.
Low-fat vs. low-carb diet for weight loss?
Still counting calories, specifically calories from fat? Fat doesn’t make you fat. A low simple carb, low sugar diet is best for weight loss, always. Carbs break down to glucose (blood sugar) causing insulin to surge. Glucose must be stored in the body, and if you aren’t actively burning glycogen (stored glucose) from your muscle with exercise, the carbs you eat (or glucose) will be stored. When there is no room left for sugar in muscles and liver, excess blood sugar stores as fat. That said, make sure you’re filling your diet with the fabulous four: protein, fiber, greens and healthy fats.
What are the absolute healthiest foods that you recommend eating daily? Cold-water fish like salmon and mackerel are my go-to sources for omega 3 fatty acids. Dark leafy greens, cucumbers and lemons are also staples in my fridge. Alkaline, fiber-rich and full of water, these foods keep your internal ecosystem alive and well—not to mention they are full of vitamin C and antioxidants. Looking for fats and fiber? Coconut oil, avocados, and chia seeds keep my clients satisfied, insulin sensitive and regular.
How much does diet really play into healthy hair, clear skin, and strong nails?
Strong nails, shiny hair locks and clear skin are primarily linked to the products you’re using, diet and/or hormones. For instance, a clear skin protocol means you are eliminating estrogen-heavy foods like soy, inflammatory foods like dairy and excess sugar from our diets. Eighty percent of the time we can clear our skin with diet alone, but if we don’t see improvements in a few short months we run labs to check hormones.
What’s the one best piece of nutritional advice you can give? The “diet” or “lifestyle” you choose now will probably change. Always continue to listen to your body. Also, don’t feel obligated to explain yourself or your choices, don’t preach, and don’t jump on quick fix fads. We might want quick results, but our satisfaction will only be there for a momentary time, look for long hall... and hit the home runs..
Above all else, love yourself and be well.
Do you have any other questions? If so, Ask your Nutrition Coach Mohammad on Instagram ;)