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Ask The Registered Dietitian!
Do you have a burning question about just how bad that Twinkie really is for you? Or maybe you are confused about what a complex carbohydrate is. Want to know exactly how long you will need to exercise to burn off a slice of fully-loaded pizza?
Ask Josie Lodrigue, the South County Family YMCA's Registered Dietitian! She can answer all your nurition-related questions. You can no longer claim that you have no one to ask! We will keep a running list of questions asked with Josie's corresponding answers.
Whether you're a kid, a senior or just a confused adult, Josie is here for you. She can asnwer questions on weight loss, special diets, supplements, and a whole lot more. All questions are good questions, so ask away. And check back frequently to read other questions from fellow YMCA and community members.
Click here to send Josie a question...
| August 6, 2008 Question: I'm looking for an afterschool/before gymnastics snack for my nine year old. Any suggestions? She will be practicing for two hours right after school. Answer: Snacking before gymnastics or any sport is a great idea, especially if the practice will be for an hour or longer. The best snacks to include are those that are adequate in carbohydrates and protein and are low in fat. It is always best to avoid sugary foods/drinks and caffeine to prevent sluggishness. Some suggestions include trail mix with nuts (peanuts, almonds, pistachios, sunflower seeds) and dried fruit, low fat yogurt with fruit and granola, peanut butter with crackers or whole grain bagel, fresh fruit smoothies with milk/yogurt, fresh sliced veggies/fruit with peanut butter or hummus, and even a small sandwich with whole grain bread and peanut butter, turkey, lean roast beef, hummus or tuna. For more convenient/on-the-go snacks, energy bars are suggested and include brands such as Cliff Bars, Luna Bars, Balance Bars and PowerBars. Remember to also include plenty of water before, during and after practice. Question: I forgot to mention that my daughter (from above question) is allergic to peanuts! Answer: Good protein sources that are peanut-free are those such as string cheese, yogurt, hummus, eggs, meats like turkey, lean roast beef, lean ham, tuna, or any sort of bean spreads. These are all excellent sources of protein which are also low in fat. Remember the important part of the snack prior to exercise will be a good carbohydrate source for energy. So including some sort of fresh or dried fruit, fresh veggies, whole grain breads/bagels/tortillas/crackers, and even some granola that is not processed with nuts are good carbohydrate sources. |
This column is intended for informational purposes only and should not be substituted for medical advice, nor is it intended to diagnose or assess specific symptoms. All questions will be answered by the Registered Dietitian, but should not be used as a means of health counseling. If you have any specific questions regarding treatment for a particular medical condition, please contact your primary health care provider.
