Nutrition Know-How
First for Women
By: Ann Louise Gittleman
June 09, 2008

Should I switch to soda with vitamins?

My coworkers have started drinking that new cola with extra nutrients, raving that it’s healthier than regular soda.  I’m a cola drinker too, so I’m wondering if these health perks are legit. 
Unfortunately, getting critical nutrients isn’t as simple as swigging a fortified soda.  The reason: The acidity in carbonated beverages begins breaking down those vitamins and minerals (including zinc, magnesium, B-complex vitamins and vitamin C) within 24 hours of manufacture.  And when the beverage isn’t refrigerated—as on supermarket shelves—these added nutrients break down at an even faster rate.  By the time consumers drink the soda, the nutrition values listed on the container (which are required to be accurate only at the time of manufacture) can be off base.  That said, it’s fine to enjoy this beverage for what it is: a refreshing soda that may (or may not) deliver a minor health bonus.

Why does my husband have more willpower?

After gaining 40 pounds last year, I became more careful about my caloric intake.  For example, now I’ll snack on a 100-calorie pack of cookies instead of a bowl of ice cream.  But so far all this calorie counting hasn’t helped me lose weight.  What am I doing wrong? 
You’re smart to be mindful of calorie count, but it’s not the only predictor of weight-loss success.  That’s because the body processes calories from different foods in different ways.  While the cookies may contain only 100 calories, they are mostly refined carbohydrates.  Once consumed, those calories raise levels of fat-promoting insulin.  On the other hand, 100 calories from an unprocessed food source (like fruit) would be quickly used by the body for nutrition needs, thus accelerating weight loss.  Although fresh foods aren’t sold in 100-calorie snack packs, a few portion-control tricks can keep calorie count low: Try eating meals on a salad plate instead of a dinner plate.  And use baby utensils or the Diet Fork, which holds less food than standard utensils.  Studies show that scaled-down dishware and utensils make small servings seem more generous, which causes the brain to register fullness sooner.

Is there another way to flush weight-gain bugs?

After reading your column about how digestive parasites can cause weight gain, I tried the antiparasitic supplements you recommended.  But I found it hard to take six pills every day, so I eventually gave up on the regimen.  Is there an easier approach? 
While taking herbal supplements is the most effective way to rid the body of nutrient-stealing digestive bugs (which enter via contaminated water or under-cooked meats), another option is to consume two or three cloves of raw garlic daily.  (Try grating it into cold pasta salads or plain yogurt for a quick sandwich dressing.)  The herb’s powerful antiparasitic compound allicin has been shown to eliminate most problematic microorganisms within two to four weeks.  This should ease related symptoms such as hunger, fatigue, constipation, hair loss and acne.