There are many different discussions we can have about carbohydrates – as they have recently become the focus of many different weight loss and diet theories, in addition to advertising and product claims.
DQ 1: What type of carbohydrates do you consume on a regular basis? What are complex carbohydrates and how are they nutritionally importance? What is the difference between complex and refined carbs? How do carbohydrates effect blood sugar levels? What is your opinion of carbohydrates? Do you try to avoid them or do you love to eat them? What are the theories behind a low carb or no carb diet? Have you or someone you know tried to reduce your carbohydrate consumption? If so, how did that affect you? Did you notice a difference in your body? Describe any changes you observed….
DQ 2: What are the differences between soluble and non-soluble fibers? How much fiber do you get on a daily basis? Calculate your dietary intake of fiber for a day, and compare this to the DRI recommendations listed in book 4. What are some ways that you could increase your fiber intake? What foods are high in fiber? What is the major difference between flax fiber and psyllium? Why do you think people have a hard time meeting the DRI recommendation for fiber? What are the health conditions that can arise from a chronic low fiber diet?
DQ 3: How much sugar do you eat in a day? What are the different types of sugar that you consume? Many things are sweetened with fruit sugar instead of table sugar – do you think this is healthier then eating things sweetened with sucrose? Do you think sugar is addictive? Have you ever craved sugar? When you eat something sweet, how do you feel after 1 hour, 2 hours, or several hours? Have you ever “sugar crashed”? What does that feel like? Why do you think that so many packaged foods contain sugar? What is the current debate around HFCS (high fructose corn syrup)? Do you think certain sweeteners (honey vs. maple syrup vs. sucrose) are healthier then others? What factors do you consider when consuming sugar?
