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ASK BONNIE for November 2001


Question #1:

I am becoming more and more of a vegetarian and I'm prone to anemia. How am I supposed to get 5-6 servings of protein a day?

Answer #1:

If you are blood type "O" or "B", you cannot be healthy as a vegetarian. If you are blood type "A" or "AB", you would have to have 3 servings of diary, 2 eggs (or 1 yolk with 3 whites), 11/2 cups beans/tofu (or 25gm soy protein), and 1/2 cup nuts/seeds to have enough daily protein. 

Question #2:

My 10 year old is only 4'5" and weighs 94 pounds. We have found it extraordinarily difficult to prevent him from continuing to gain weight despite the fact that we only give him reasonable portions of healthy food which is not high in fat. Suggestions?

Answer #2: 

The problem of weight gain for most children is a complex issue. Yet, excess carbohydrate intake (especially wheat, corn products, and simple sugars) is a major factor. Too little protein and too few healthy fats (nuts/seeds, olive oil, avocado, etc.) also contribute to weight gain in a growing body. Of course, a personal consultation would be warranted because every child is different.

Question #3:

Are there any alternatives to soda, as my son loves it, and doesn't want to drink anything else?

Answer #3: 

Sodas are loaded with sugar, artificial flavors/colors, and if diet, NutraSweet. There are plenty of alternatives. My first choice would be flavored sparkling water (Perrier, Poland Spring, Crystal Geyser, etc.). They usually come in Lemon, Lime, Raspberry, Orange, etc. If he will not drink these, there are natural sodas, that while I do not recommend, they are better than the Coke and Pepsi's of the world. They still have a lot of sugar (more natural form), but do not have any artificial ingredients. You can find brand names on my Natural Foods Shopping List at http://www.nutritionalconcepts.com/prodserv/natural_foods_shopping_list.htm..

Have a happy, healthy day.

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