Shahla Says....
  diet and nutrition info

 The Smart Girlz are happy to introduce Shahla Cano, Registered Dietician and Certified Diebetic Expert, as part of our team to help you with food and nutrition issues.  Shahla is a Virgo, loves dogs, her husband, movies and chocolate...from all over the world, yes international chocolate!  Feel free to write your questions to Shahla and we will post them on a continual basis as they come in.

Dear Shahla,  With Valentines day coming along and chocolate is all around us - Is chocolate actually good for you and why? Chocoholic in L.A. 
 
Dear Chocoholic,
Chocolate is one of the original super foods--it contains antioxidants which many researches have shown to prevent cancer-- however it is in DARK chocolate and you need only ONE square a day for the benefits-- It appears that milk protein destroys all the benefits so if you are eating milk chocolate or even if you eat your DARK chocolate with milk-- (all the antioxidants are destroyed) - when choosing chocolate choose dark high end stuff-- grabbing a Snickers bar or box of m&ms will not improve your heath and may cause you to gain weight. ( so does DARK chocolate if you eat a lot of it )
 
Dear Shahla,
Are there diabetic chocolates for Valentines Day? Suffering in Washington 
 
Dear Suffering,
No, no diabetic chocolates but you could eat less... 

Dear Shahla,
A very good freind of mine just got diagnosed with Cilacs disease. Can you explain this disorder and how it differs from thyroid problems? Concerned in Ohio
 
Dear Concerned,
In general Celiac diesea is a digestive disease that is triggered by eating a protein called gluton.  Usually gluten is in wehat, barley or rye or some oats.  Bascially the body becomes  "allergic" or senstive to glutens and causes the person to experience cramping, diarraha or plain discomfort.   We do not know exactly what causes celiac disease but it tends to be genetic. So your friend should have her sibblings, parents and kids checked .   It is tough to eat with this type of disease but it can be done-- biggest thing is she needs to avoid gluten -- So you need to really look at your ingredient lists and look for any type of wheat ( such as graham flour, durum, semolina, farina ) and bulgur, matzo meal. 
The good news is that physicians are starting to realize that this disease is not as rare as they thought and they are testing their patients for it.  Because of its increase, we are also starting to see foods that are labeled "gluten free" --  Other safe foods are: Fresh meats, fish and poultry ( make sure it is not breaded or marinated ), vegetables, rice, potatoes, Gluton free fours such as rice, soy, corn and potato.  
She may want to contact her dietitian who can help her set up a menu--

Dear Shahla,
How can I assure that my childs hot lunch at school is nutritious. Sometimes I just dont have the time to pack her lunch myself when its faster & easier sometimes to just give her lunch money.  Harried Single Mom

Dear H.S.M.,
There is no doubt that the food you pack for your child will be healthier and is  made with love but dont feel too gulity if you are not always packing her lunch-- It is very important that your child does not skip meals. The biggest complaint I get from kids who skip lunches is dealing with the long cafeteria lines that discourages kids to eat lunch --  Despite their bad rap, cafeteria food is improving.  Your child needs to understand that she is allowed to have ONE slice of pizza or ONE hamburger.  Encourage her to eat plenty of veggies and watch her drink.  Make sure that she drinks milk or water and avoids  sodas or energy drinks like gatarade.  In addition, even if you dont have time you can give her an apple or some type of fruit that she can carry for additional crunnchy and healthy snacks to perhaps replace the chips that she has been eyeing.