Ask the Sports Nutritionist

Question: I drink a lot of milk, but after reading an article of what they put in there I’m scared of how much I take in.  Should I cut down or eliminate milk? Kelli’s Answer: In the United States, it is perfectly legal to inject cows with an artificial hormone to increase milk production. ...
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Question: Hi Kelli, I eat a lot of protein bars for energy and nutrition.  Is there a certain bar that you recommend over the others? Kelli’s Answer: To answer your question, I’m going to explain why I believe “whole-food bars,” such as “LARA” and “KIND” bars (mock-KIND bar recipe found right here), are good...
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Question: I always have a tough time in the grocery store.  I know it sounds crazy, but I especially need help in the produce section.  I never know where to go to get the best foods for myself and always walk out with the wrong stuff.  Help. Kelli’s Answer: You can breathe a sigh...
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Question: How much water do I need? Answer: The goal of drinking fluids before exercise is to be well hydrated before you are physically active. If you have rested for at least 8-12 hours before activity and eat and drink regularly, extra hydration may not be needed. If you have lost fluids from sweating...
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Corn Syrup and Sweeteners Question: Hi Kelli, I like to sweeten my tea and things like oatmeal with something to help make it taste better to me.  I had been using a little corn syrup but have read a lot of negative things on it.  Can you help me out on what is best...
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Warm Sports Drinks and Water Question: Most all sports drinks, and water for that matter, taste horrible when hot (which almost always happens on long rides in the summer).  What’s the best way to keep them cold…can I simply fill my water bottle ½ full with ice and then pour in the drink? Kelli’s Answer: I...
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Sugar at Supper Question: Hi Kelli.  I feel like I eat a pretty health supper with things like pasta and meat sauce quite often, but I also don’t feel like I’m losing the weight that I’d like.  Any advice? Kelli’s Answer: Good to hear from you.  Food such as white pasta and dinner rolls...
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Eating at Night Question: I find that because of my schedule I am eating fairly lightly during the day and then making up for it at night.  I’m also training a lot and wondering if this will counter-balance my eating pattern.  Please let me know your thoughts on this. Kelli’s Answer: Thanks for writing...
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Salt and Exercise Question: Hi Kelli, I am a serious athlete and I want to know what you recommend about sodium intake.  I have heard that when you train at a certain level you should get more sodium, but then I’ve also been under the impression that extra salt is not good.  Please help...
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Question: Hi Kelli, what’s the deal with transfats?  I don’t know a lot about them, but I feel like they are weighing me down and affecting my cycling. Kelli’s Answer: Thanks for this great question.  A lot of people have heard the term “transfats” and they are definitely something that can drag you down....
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I am an active cyclist, but I also like to have some drinks….especially on the weekend.  I probably indulge more than I should, but it seems to happen quite often. How bad is this for me and my desire to lose some weight? Kelli’s Answer: Thanks for writing in.  Binge drinking must be avoided...
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One Meal Per Day Hi Kelli, I find with my busy schedule and lack of focus on my diet that I often go through my day only having one meal.  I’m still getting in lots of cycling, but wondering what I can be doing to lose weight. – GL Thanks for your question, GL....
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