Welcome to another insightful edition of Sustaining Hawaii. Today, we summarize a fascinating conversation between Rick Hamada and Jenna Copley from the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii. They discuss various aspects of healthy eating, including the importance of reading nutrition labels, managing carbohydrate intake, and the benefits of consuming whole fruits over juices. For those interested in the full conversation, the complete radio show is embedded at the bottom of this article.
Rick: Welcome back, everyone! It's Sustaining Hawaii presented by Bayer. Today, I'm thrilled to be joined by Jenna from the National Kidney Foundation of Hawaii. Good morning, Jenna!
Jenna: Good morning, Rick! How are you doing?
Rick: I'm doing great! It's been a while since we had our "Ask the Dietitian" segment, hasn't it?
Jenna: Yes, it has! I think it's been about a month now. Time flies!
Rick: Indeed it does. So, what's new with you, Jenna? Any exciting plans?
Jenna: I'm going to start another of our diabetes prevention programs for people who have pre-diabetes, which is a really great program. It's a year-long program that we get to follow people from start to finish. You can't do lifestyle change in just a couple of weeks, right? I'm sure you know that very well.
Rick: That sounds fantastic! Speaking of lifestyle changes, I've been on a bit of a journey myself. My son and I started a new workout program, and we're keeping our carb intake below 100 grams a day. We're really focused on moderation and tracking everything.
Jenna: That's wonderful to hear, Rick! Having support from your son must make a big difference.
Rick: Absolutely! It's been a game-changer. We motivate each other, especially when one of us is tempted to stray. But let's dive into the details. What's the most important thing to check on a nutrition label?
Jenna: Great question! The first thing you should always check is the serving size. Many people overlook this and assume the numbers on the label apply to the whole package, but often it's just a small portion.
Rick: Oh, I've learned that the hard way! Like with curry paste—I thought using a little bottle was fine until I realized it had 38 servings!
Jenna: Exactly! It's easy to underestimate how much you're consuming. Always double-check the serving size and adjust the other numbers accordingly.
Rick: We've also become more conscious about sodium. My son and I track it meticulously now.
Jenna: That's excellent, Rick. Reducing sodium can benefit everyone, but it's particularly important for those with health concerns. However, remember that carbs aren't the enemy—they're essential, especially the good ones from whole grains and vegetables.
Rick: I'm glad you mentioned that. We're aiming for low-carb, not no-carb. It's about balance, right?
Jenna: Yes, exactly. Carbs from sources like brown rice and whole grains are great because they provide necessary nutrients and energy without the negative impacts of refined sugars.
Rick: Speaking of sugars, I've become wary of sauces and drinks with hidden sugars. It's shocking how much is packed into seemingly harmless foods.
Jenna: That's true. Processed foods can be loaded with sugars, even ones that aren't immediately obvious. Always read labels carefully.
Rick: What about fruits? Some say certain fruits are better than others because of their sugar content. Is that true?
Jenna: Fruits are incredibly beneficial due to their vitamins, minerals, and fiber, which help slow down sugar absorption. There's no need to categorize fruits as good or bad; just enjoy them in moderation.
Rick: And what about fruit juices? Are they as healthy as whole fruits?
Jenna: Whole fruits are better because they contain fiber that juices lack. Juices can be high in sugar and lack the fiber that helps regulate sugar absorption. It's better to eat an orange than drink orange juice.
Rick: Got it. Thanks for all this great information, Jenna. How can our listeners get involved with your programs?
Jenna: They can visit our website at kidneyhi.org. We have a pre-diabetes program starting on June 11th, and plenty of other free classes on kidney health and nutrition.
Rick: Awesome! Thanks for joining us, Jenna. Until next time, folks, stay healthy and informed.
We hope this summary provided valuable insights into making healthier food choices. Rick and Jenna's conversation highlights the importance of moderation, understanding nutrition labels, and the support needed for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. For a more in-depth look and to hear all the details, please listen to the full radio show embedded below. Stay tuned to the "Sustaining Hawaii Radio Show" on AM 830, airing every first and third Wednesday of the month at 9 AM for more health tips and informative discussions in future editions of Sustaining Hawaii.
