Q: What is the best diet to lose weight?
A: Nutrition is not a one size fits all prescription. It is important to contact your dietitian to see which diet works best for your needs, goals, and cultural preferences. Eating a diet that provides your body with a proper balance in nutrients is key to the best overall health. One universal tip is to make half of your plate non-starchy vegetables to give your body the boost it needs. Non-starchy vegetables include green leafies, mushrooms, peppers, zucchini, asparagus, and more.
Q: Will eating right before bed cause me to gain weight?
A: Oftentimes late-night eating tends to include foods with empty calories such as sweets or fried potato chips. This would lead to weight gain. However, it is important to notice hunger cues, and if you are truly hungry late at night snack on healthful choices such as fruits or veggies. Try the apple test! Are you hungry enough to eat an apple? If yes, go for it!
Q: Does drinking water help promote weight loss?
A: Yes! Staying hydrated helps our metabolism to function properly. Oftentimes, we confuse thirst with hunger which may lead to unnecessary snacking or larger portions at mealtime. Stay hydrated by drinking half of your body weight in ounces of fluid. Aim to drink fluids without added unnecessary sugar and include hydrating foods such as cucumber, watermelon, and zucchini!
Q: What are key supplements to help promote weight loss?
A: Again, nutrition is not a one-size-fits-all. Supplement recommendations are unique per individual to help you fill the gaps in your diet. While the main goal of many supplements isn’t necessarily to promote weight loss, your body’s metabolic system will not work efficiently if you are missing vital nutrients. Specific groups that should seek out supplements to help them fill their gaps include but are not limited to those with food allergies/intolerances, athletes, “picky eaters” and those on a restricted diet. A multivitamin is a great place to start if you aren’t eating a perfectly balanced diet consistently.
Amanda Allen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree at Missouri State University and completed her internship and Master of Science degree in Nutrition Diagnostics at Cox College. Amanda’s nutrition philosophy is to promote optimal health and nourishment through a whole food nutrition plan and a positive relationship with food.
