American registered dietitian Dr. Felicia D. Stoler, who is also an exercise physiologist, was excited when News Channel 8’s 'Let’s Talk Live' producers asked her to stop by to talk about getting in shape for the swimsuit season.
It was the perfect opportunity for her to tell the Washington, D.C. audience about some eating tips based on the USDA’s new Dietary Guidelines. She has been a fan of Malaysian sustainable palm oil for years. It is gratifying to see that it fits so well with the USA government’s recommendations.
As summer beckons, many are in a hurry to get their bodies ready for the beach. "We’re hitting the gym. We’re trying to eat right. The Let’s Talk Live hosts asked, “Are we really taking the right steps?”
While Dr. Stoler confirmed that losing weight is always going to be a function of energy in/energy out, she also explained that many need to pay closer attention to portion sizes, hunger cues and satiety cues.
"You might be surprised, for example, to learn that I think snacking is important. It can help ensure that you don’t over-eat at the next meal. But I’m not talking about cakes and cookies. I’m referring to fruits, vegetables, whole grains and other yummy foods that should be part of your diet," she said.
As viewers at home saw the words “Don’t quit fat” pop up on their TV screens, she offered her first eating tip: Eat better-for-you fats. The new American Dietary Guidelines talk about eating foods that are sustainable.
Malaysian palm oil is grown in a sustainable manner. It’s a better-for-you fat because it’s heart-healthy. And it contains high amounts of beta carotene and vitamin E, two areas of concern in the new dietary guidelines.
"I also like to cook with palm oil because unlike olive oil, it has a neutral flavour profile. And also unlike olive oil, palm oil is heat stable and less likely to break down into unhealthy chemicals when we bake, deep-fry or barbecue," she said.
"Change up your cooking oils. Experiment with their different flavour profiles. You don’t have to be afraid of healthy fats," the nutritionist said.