Karen Collins, MS, RD, CDN
American Institute for Cancer Research

Q: I read that the reason for the increased number of overweight kids is because of mixing foods inappropriately at meals. Is this true?
A: For generations, meals have traditionally included mixtures of meat, fish or poultry served with starchy foods such as bread, pasta or potatoes, plus vegetables or fruit. It doesn?t make sense that such combinations would suddenly increase childhood obesity now. Studies clearly show that childhood obesity is linked to less physical activity, larger portions, and increases in sugar-loaded beverages and high-calorie foods. Regardless of what certain books say, mixing foods does not leave the body unable to digest them. (Also, undigested food passes out of the body as waste; it cannot possibly turn into body fat, as some writers have suggested.) When you are reading material written by a physician or other health professional, it?s wise to consider both the authors? credentials and message. Even if authors? credentials sound impressive, if the recommendations go against the advice of most respected experts, reconsider the reliability of the information.

Q: What do you think of the juices and drinks now available with herbs and other natural supplements in them?
A: While the idea of getting something ?extra? in foods seems attractive at first, these products pose several disadvantages. Some products may list an herb or supplement in the ingredients with no indication on the label of the amount in each serving. Even when a product lists the amounts, it may be at lower levels than studies have shown to be effective. The amount found to be effective is usually not stated on the label. You may be paying extra money for something that contains too little of the added ingredient to offer any benefit. Also, it?s important to keep a list of all supplements that you take and keep your doctor informed on supplement use. But when supplements are mixed into foods, it?s easy to lose track. Even though they are ?natural,? supplements can interact with medications or cause problems for people with medical conditions. If you want to use herbs or supplements, it?s generally better to buy them separately than to pay extra for products that contain them. For that matter, to get the whole gamut of vitamins, minerals and natural plant compounds, choose a plant-based diet. There?s just no substitute for the benefits of boosting the amount of vegetables, fruits, beans and whole grains we eat.