ASK A DIETITIAN

Should I eat differently if I’m exercising? Are there different diets for different types of exercise?

What you eat before your workout can make or break your results, so we try to customise eating recommendations around a person’s schedule and workout routine. Not one specific recommendation is suitable for every lifestyle but a general recommendation is to eat a healthful snack (carb + protein, 3:1 ratio) within 30-60 minutes before working out if a meal was not consumed in the last two to three hours. This recommendation will help fuel your body with enough energy to complete at least an hour of moderate-high intensity workout.

How can I deal with unintentional weight loss of an elderly person?

Calorie intake is an individual measure for each person, but if an elderly person loses five per cent of his or her body weight in a month, that is significant. That fluctuation is a red flag and should be addressed by a doctor. With this type of unplanned weight loss, the person is at higher risk for getting sick and not healing well. There could be something else going on in the body. Weight monitoring is important for older loved ones, especially those with medical conditions such as congestive heart failure. Also, if you notice your loved one is gaining weight rapidly, this could be a sign of an underlying health condition.

Is fish oil just as good as fish?

There are benefits to fish oil, but it should not replace eating fish. The AHA recommends eating fish at least two times a week because it is a good source of protein and, unlike fatty meat products, is not high in saturated fat. Fish is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke.

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