15 Questions and Answers About Nutrition

In which situations is stomach surgery recommended?

The decision for stomach surgery depends mostly on the doctors who deal with this type of operation. Following a diet for 6 months before stomach surgery is required, because these operations carry risks and, since it is hard to reach the stomach through body fat, reducing the fat tissue on top is very important. Surgery can be considered for people with a body mass index of 35 and above, but in general I believe that diet and lifestyle changes can often help with this problem as well. Your doctor will advise you on what is right for you.

What are your tips for sweet cravings while on a diet?

You can click here to see my healthy recipes that will satisfy your need for something sweet :)

I don't like eating breakfast / I'm not in the habit. Is it right to diet without breakfast, or should I build a breakfast habit?

If you don't like breakfast or find it difficult, you don't have to eat it just to lose weight or to follow a diet; nothing that is not sustainable should have a place in our lives. A plan adapted to this can be followed.

What is the maximum number of cups of coffee and tea recommended per day? Does drinking coffee on an empty stomach speed up metabolism?

The amount of tea and coffee varies from person to person. On average, a maximum of 6 cups of tea and coffee a day is sufficient. If a person drinks a lot, they should reduce it gradually. Although it does not happen in everyone, drinking coffee on an empty stomach can help to stimulate bowel movements, but it does not speed up metabolism. One of the most important factors affecting metabolic rate is muscle mass.

Is red meat harmful? How much is recommended?

The only thing that determines the benefit and harm of red meat is the dose. Unless there is gout or an excess (disorder) in blood albumin values, 1-3 servings of red meat a week can be eaten.

Is it possible to lose weight from a specific area by adjusting nutrition? (I don't want to lose weight from my face, it won't go from my belly...)

Losing weight from a specific area is not something that can be controlled by what we eat. The body loses weight from the places where it individually gains it. Some people choose to support this from the outside with devices, and the important thing there is to decide on the right device and number of sessions for the person. It is also recommended that people are encouraged to do sport and exercises for the area.

How often and in what amounts is it recommended to eat eggs? (Fear of cholesterol)

There used to be a fear of eggs, but the thinking that eggs raise cholesterol has now been cleared up, and for most healthy people eggs are not considered to raise cholesterol. 1 egg a day, and at most 2, is sufficient. If you are involved in a sport such as bodybuilding, the amounts can be adjusted for you personally.

Is eating according to blood type right, and is it recommended?

Nutrition should be personal, just like our fingerprints. Two people with the same blood type can have different blood biochemistry values, different health conditions, sleep patterns and lifestyles. It is not possible to get a lasting result by relying on a single parameter.

Do acidic foods and drinks (such as soda, lemon and vinegar) make weight loss easier?

Stomach acid is hydrochloric acid, one of the strongest acids in the world, and it plays a big role in our digestive system. It is not possible to make weight loss easier by eating something extra acidic, because the stomach, like every organ, works within certain pH values. When there is too much acid, the body can perceive it as harm and turn the environment alkaline. So there is no need to consume anything extra acidic.

How many hours before going to bed should the last main meal and snack be eaten?

The times of main meals and snacks vary from person to person, but all eating should be finished 3 hours before sleeping.

Weighing yourself too often is not recommended. How often should you weigh yourself?

My recommendation is to weigh yourself once a week.

How often should the diet menu be changed, and under what conditions should changes be made?

How often the eating plan is changed depends on the person. Changes can be made less often for people who want to stick to the programme and find it hard to adapt to change, and more often for people who get bored quickly and are more motivated by changes to the plan.

How should you eat when doing sport, and what should you pay attention to?

The type of sport is a deciding point, but whether you are thinking of losing weight, maintaining weight or gaining volume while exercising, calorie intake should be matched to that. Carbohydrate should not be cut back too much; we can even include a high amount of complex carbohydrate in our diet. Protein intake is also very important. In addition, attention should be paid to water intake. On sport days, water intake should be increased to more than the daily amount because of sweating. If you do a sport such as running or cycling, sports drinks can be prepared and recommended. Another point is potassium intake. Because it is lost through sweat and urine, a lack of potassium can cause cramps. If you do long-term sport, a cup of ginger tea a day may help to ease muscle tiredness.

What causes being unable to gain weight despite eating a lot, and what do you recommend?

Being unable to gain weight despite eating a lot may be caused by a thyroid-related condition. Tests should be done and the cause determined by a doctor first. If there is no health problem, it may also come from genetic make-up. A third option is that perhaps a lot of food is eaten, but the foods are not high enough in calories or the right in content to support weight gain; the person's eating pattern and preferences may need to be looked at.

Is there a set number of meals on a diet, and how many meals are recommended?

There is no set number of meals on a diet; meals can be arranged by taking into account the person's life, social circle, and psychological and biological situation.

This article is for general information only; please consult your doctor and dietitian about your own situation.