Posted Feb 27, 2010
Laura Raines Pulse editor
Allison Jennings is a self-confessed “foodie.” She attended culinary school and graduate school to become a registered and licensed dietician.
When she was in the Peace Corps, Jennings helped HIV patients practice better nutrition. She has worked in product development in the food industry and also has been a hospital nutritionist.
It makes sense that Jennings, MS, RD, LD, CP-FS, food safety manager for the Atlanta Division of The Kroger Co., has had a lifelong goal to eat healthier and to help others do the same.
“I love what I do,” Jennings said. “Food safety is an emerging role in our community and something that everyone believes in.
“I get to travel around and train our managers and employees in the latest findings. We all think we know what we’re doing, but then science shows us a better way.”
In this new Pulse feature, Jennings answers questions about food and nutrition.
1. What are the most common questions you get asked?
“There’s always a lot of curiosity about the latest fad diet. People are looking for the magic pill that will help them lose weight while lowering their cancer risk. There is no magic cure-all, and researchers often question the health risks of some diets.
“Celebrities and others have lost weight while eating bacon, eggs, steaks and cream and giving up carbohydrates on the Atkins Diet. Scientists argue that the long-term effects of that unbalanced diet — which leads to nutritional deficiencies — could cause heart disease, osteoporosis and kidney problems in the long term.
“We encourage people to reduce or maintain their weight by making positive lifestyle changes — eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and complex carbohydrates, and moving more. A healthier diet and more activity bring better results than drastic dietary changes that you can’t keep up in the long run.”
2. What’s the big deal about flaxseed? Hasn’t it been around for thousands of years?
“Yes, but modern research has told us more about its health benefits. Flaxseed is high in B vitamins and omega-3 essential fatty acids — the good fats that help lower cholesterol, stabilize blood sugars and are good for intestinal health. Omega-3s can also be a key force in fighting overall inflammation in the body caused by some chronic diseases like arthritis or asthma.
“Flaxseed is also high in fiber — both the soluble and insoluble kinds — and there are many benefits to a high-fiber diet, including whole grains.
“You’ll find food manufacturers adding flaxseed to cereals and other products, and you can add it yourself. There are all sorts of recipes on the Internet. Incorporate it slowly into your diet because of its potential laxative effect, and be sure to drink eight glasses of water a day.”
3. Why are pomegranates the latest food fad?
“Pomegranates are very high in antioxidants, which can help reverse the damage caused by oxidation in our cells. Some research has shown that it slows the plaque-forming effects caused by the oxidation of LDL [bad cholesterol].
“Many foods are high in antioxidants, including blueberries, apricots, spinach and broccoli. For consumers, one of the benefits of adding something new, like pomegranates, is that it adds variety to the table. Having a variety of colors, textures and tastes encourages us to eat more fruits and vegetables, which add nutrients to our diet.”
4. Should we pay the higher price for organic products?
“Many people prefer natural growing methods to chemical pesticides. I can’t dispute putting more natural foods into our bodies as a healthy lifestyle philosophy. Are the nutritional benefits proven enough to outweigh the cost differential? That’s a decision people need to make for themselves.”
5. What can we do about the obesity epidemic?
“We have become eaters of convenience, because everyone is so ‘on the go.’ If we knew more about nutrition and preparing healthy food, we’d eat better.
“Small decisions can make a big difference. Do I really need creamer or can I use skim milk and artificial sweetener? We don’t realize how many calories we consume through drinking carbonated beverages or sweet tea. Could we substitute a flavored, carbonated water?
“You don’t have to totally give up your favorites. I may get a small order of fast-food fries if I’m craving them, but pair it with a grilled chicken sandwich with no sauce. I take my workout clothes with me on trips and use hotel gyms.
“Setting realistic and achievable goals, adding more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and activity will lead to a healthier lifestyle. With food, my motto has always been ‘everything in moderation.’ ”
