Interview with a Dietitian
Matine Yuksel

I interviewed my mom, Apameh Bashar, who has worked as a dietitian for about 20 years.

Matine: Which diet do you recommend for people to use?

Apameh: I recommend that they eat balanced meals including all food groups.

Matine: What diet should be followed by people who are frail?

Apameh: A high calorie and high protein diet.

Matine: Do you have any advice for obese people?

Apameh: Well, there is a lot to say and discuss... Here is a snap answer. Eat slowly, since it takes about twenty minutes for your brain to register the feeling of satisfaction. Drink water, rather than soda or drinks with high calories. Avoid fast-food as much as possible. Eat vegetables. Prefer walking rather than driving short distances.

Matine: Which is better: Gatorade or water?

Apameh: Water, because it is crucial for all of the body's cells. Gatorade would be a good beverage in addition to water. When a person is involved in an aerobic exercise, he or she loses a  lot of electrolytes from sweating. Gatorade is also recommended when someone has diarrhea and vomiting, because, again, many electrolytes are lost and must be replaced.

Matine: How many meals should we eat a day?

Apameh: Three balanced meals and healthy snacks.

Matine: How much fruit should we eat a day?

Apameh: A minimum of three servings.

Matine: Do you think it is healthy for French people to eat frogs?

Apameh: It is one of their cultural foods. Frogs are not much different than clams or crabs. For instance, some people in other parts of the world, cannot imagine how Americans eat crab, lobster, or pork.

Matine: What is your favorite food?

Apameh: There are too many to count.

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