SORTING FACT FROM FICTION: EXPERTS ANSWER THOSE BURNING QUESTIONS
We asked
Ian Marber, nutritional therapist Amelia Freer and dietitian Helen Bond, some burning food questions…
Why is a piece of toast more filling than a slice of bread?
Ian Marber: “Toast has a crunch factor. Things that are crunchier – or have bite – are more satisfying than things that are soft and gooey. For example, even though it contains protein and carbohydrates, yogurt isn’t all that satisfying. If you add fruit and nuts it’s actually more filling, even if you eat smaller portions of all three.”
Is milk just as good as a protein shake after exercise?
Helen Bond: “Yes, I would always advocate for a glass of milk. It rehydrates you and has all the nutrients you need to replenish your muscles. It’s got carbohydrates, is a source of protein and contains nutrients like phosphorus, magnesium and calcium, which are good for your bones. It’s also much cheaper.”
What is the best time of day to eat a chocolate bar?
Amelia Freer: “Earlier is probably better, because you’ll have more of a chance to burn off the energy. But, really, chocolate should be an occasional source of energy and you shouldn’t really worry about it.”
Does finishing a meal with a double espresso help burn calories?
Ian Marber: “Only because it will keep you up all night. Theoretically, you could argue that by raising your metabolism temporarily, drinking coffee will help you burn more calories. But the amount is negligible. And, frankly, walking home would burn just as many.”
Why do so many centenarians swear by a tot of whisky a day?
Amelia Freer:
“There’s nothing wrong with a small amount of alcohol every day. It slightly depends on the individual; how much their liver can process and what’s going on in the rest of their body. But I’m a moderation person. Life should be fun – so I always encourage people to have a little bit of what they enjoy.”