Topping the New Year's resolutions list of many people each year is to eat better. It’s a noble goal, but one many of us have trouble sticking with. But it might be comforting to remember that even health experts have their food pitfalls. We asked several Canadian doctors, dietitians, and even a few familiar CTV faces, what diet resolutions they’ve made for the New Year.
And while no food should be considered a "bad" food -- all things in moderation, right? -- we wanted to know about the foods the experts considered their personal "kryptonites," the foods they realize they are simply powerless against.
And finally, we wanted to know what so-called "naughty" foods -- the foods that have gotten a bad rap -- the experts planned to keep right on eating.
Here's what they said:
Dr. Chris Simpson, professor and head of cardiology at Kingston General Hospital and Queen's University and president-elect of the Canadian Medical Association.
What foods are you resolving to eat more in 2014?
I am resolving to eat more fresh vegetables and fruit as a midday snack. Like everyone else, I have found it's easier to find less-than-healthy foods than it is to find healthy foods. So there will always be veggies and fruit in my office to help those midday cravings.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
I'm afraid it's chocolate. It's very difficult to resist! Especially those Lindor chocolates, the ones in the red wrapper.
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
Guacamole in a chip bowl. Fantastic!
Jennifer Sygo, registered dietitian and sports nutritionist at Cleveland Clinic Canada
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I feel I could always do better with beans and legumes, like chickpeas and lentils. Actually, my goal this winter is to find the "world's best lentil soup recipe." If anyone has any suggestions, I'm all ears!
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Probably cereal. I love it, but I have to do my best not to eat it as dessert -- it's basically a whole other meal! I also love chocolate-covered raisins. I never buy them, but my husband has a habit of bringing them home from the bulk food store every once in a while -- and then I'm in trouble.
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
When I go to baseball games, I often have pizza and a beer. For me, it's part of the experience, and it's one of my favourite things to do on warm summer nights. With two young kids, I don't get to go to night games very often, but for the couple of games a year my husband and I make it out to, it's really nice.
Avis Favaro, CTV News medical specialist
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I think I have a pretty healthy and varied diet with fruit and yogurt in the morning. Veggies and a bit of protein at lunch and a smaller dinner. I am working on adding more fish and tofu.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
My cocaine is apple pie. That's why I stopped buying them long ago. If there is a apple pie anywhere near me, it is quickly devoured. With milk.
My other problem is that my hubby has somehow found a way to actually lose 25 pounds while still consuming Ruffles potato chips. Go figure. He has to hide them from me.
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
Dark chocolate and wine. In moderation. Scientific studies say a bit of both is good for you and who can argue with that kind of endorsement!
Rosie Schwartz, registered dietician
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I am looking to boost my intake of fermented foods in the coming year. It seems that more and more research is pointing to an ever-increasing role of gut bacteria to better health and disease prevention. Our microbiota seems to be key!
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Fabulous frites -- Jamie Kennedy's in particular -- with a delicious aioli. I love them very thin and crisp and Jamie Kennedy's are usually served with a lemon aioli. My homemade baked fries-- cut up potatoes tossed in extra virgin olive oil and baked in my convection oven are pretty good but .....
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
My naughty beverage is a homemade margarita. I make it for family dinners as both my daughters also love them. We always use fresh limes and just a little agave. I hate bottled mixes, though. We stick to one drink a piece so it fits into the moderation category.
Dr. Marla Shapiro, family physician and medical contributor for CTV News and Canada AM
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I have a pretty healthy diet and tend to eat the same foods. I don't eat meat and get most of my protein from non-fat dairy, fish and poultry. The one study that really has me adding to my diet is the study on eating nuts and morbidity and mortality. So I will be adding a handful of almonds, walnuts or pecans to what I eat!
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
I have always loved milk-chocolate almonds! I am better saying no than going for a handful because one handful leads to another. But every once in a while, I can't resist!
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
Likely red wine, but it has to be a great, full-bodied red. Studies have shown wine in moderation has great health benefits. The key is the moderation!
Dr. Mike Evans, staff physician at St. Michael’s Hospital, scientist at the Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
The foods I eat are mostly healthy, but I am a grazer -- I eat too much. So, my two micro-change hopes for 2014 are: 1) Stop eating after I finish and wait to feel full. 2) Self-awareness. Thinking about (my food) when I eat popcorn, wings, etc.. When I was younger, no problemo, but now I feel crappy after. So I want to actually reflect and stop eating in the first place.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Licorice.
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
I've already made this change: I now drink mostly water. The biggest barrier for me was when I was a restaurant; I'd feel like I had to order something fancier. Now, I’ve automated. If I still feel I need to order, I ask for soda water and lime.
Dr. Neil Rau, medical microbiologist and CTV infectious diseases expert
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I've entered a twice-weekly fish-for-dinner phase this year. Started with some delicious halibut burritos sold near my house. Though this sounds like a healthy initiative, the impetus was my daughter one day a few months ago requesting a moratorium on "cultural chicken meals." By this, meant that she was fed up with the quick n' dirty butter chicken, Thai chicken, and Mediterranean chicken recipes -- to name a few. So now we're into a new phase. Stay tuned for the "cultural fish" moratorium imposed by one of my kids by next Christmas.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Those high-fat, unpasteurized creamy cheeses from France and Quebec. Yes I mean that $100/kg stuff found at Whole Foods.(My colleagues call itWhole Paycheck, but we keep going back for more....)
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
New York Fries, once every two months. I even broke down and took my med students there for lunch. They didn't pass on the fries either!
Marci Ien, co-host of CTV's Canada AM
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I've been on a juicing craze as of late. Fruits and veggies. The staples though are apples, ginger, lemons and carrots. I juice the night before (because I get up crazy early) and have a glass in the morning. It's a great energy boost. Definitely continuing this!
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Buttered popcorn. Need I say more? :)
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
We have a Trinidadian Christmas drink called punch de creme. Lots of cream, nutmeg, and rum. It's yummy!!! I also love eggnog!
Jeff Hutcheson, co-host of CTV's Canada AM
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
For me, it’s actually what foods I’m trying to eat ‘less’ of in 2014. My triglyceride levels were high, and after working with my doctor, I have recently been able to lower them to the acceptable medical standard. Since I have hereditary high blood pressure, and have it under control, I now have to focus on things with less saturated or transfats. So I am-- and have been trying to-- cut back on things like butter, sugars and, the hard ones for me, things made with white flour like baked goods and breads… I love my breads! Also, limiting the amount of some red meats and have already added Omega-3 supplements to mydiet as I am not a big fish eater.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
I have completely removed snacks from my home…and now try to snack on nuts and rice-based snacks. Chips are out, sugar treats are out, but I’m a sucker for desserts. And since my wife and I eat out fairly regularly, I have become a victim of the dessert menu! It’s getting better though, my chocolate intake is way down…
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
I refer to the desserts above…I’m not a big drinker with the (early-morning) shift I have, but certainly the party season brings out the snacks and food plates that contain everything I’m not supposed to eat. But hey, it’s the festive season and it’s not up to me to be the Grinch!
Dr. Monika Dutt, medical officer of health for the Cape Breton District Health Authority
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I'm not keen on resolutions, but I would like to learn to cook more northern Indian dishes. I am vegetarian and want to expand my repertoire of dahls and curries, as well as learn to make flatbreads like paratha and roti.
What's your food “kryptonite”?
I love an Indian sweet called jalebi – deep-fried flour soaked in sugar syrup. It's hard to eat more than a few pieces, it's so sickly sweet...but those few pieces are so yummy!
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
Chips, or even just roasted potatoes with salt. I don't apologize for anything I eat. I live a healthy life in general and am fine with occasional indulgences!
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff, founder of the Bariatric Medical Institute weight management centre in Ottawa.
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
I don’t believe that there are such things as “superfoods,” so I’m not aiming to eat more of anything in particular. I do, however, hope to continue eating meals where the vast majority(of it) comes from home-cooked whole ingredients.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Chicken wings, single malt scotch and Sour Patch Kids (though not necessarily together)
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
No one should feel the need to “apologize” for using food at times as a comfort or at times as a celebration, as those food roles have existed since time immemorial. The healthiest life a person can enjoy undoubtedly still contains some unhealthy, but sincerely yummy stuff (like those chicken wings and single malt scotches for instance).
Joanne Lewis, registered dietician and manager of Diabetes Education at the Canadian Diabetes Association
What foods are you resolving to eat more of in 2014?
In 2014, I would like to eat smaller, more-frequent meals instead of three large meals each day. By planning more frequent, smaller meals I hope to eliminate the unplanned, less-healthy snacks that I may choose just because I am hungry and have limited options. Having said that, my smaller meals will include lean protein (low-fat cheese, nuts, tuna) and higher fibre, (and) low glycemic index carbohydrates, such as fruits and oatmeal.
What‘s your food “kryptonite”?
Without a doubt it has to be chocolate. I try to have small portions to prevent me from eating the whole box. The mini Halloween-sized portions are perfect for moments when I feel like having a treat, and I limit myself to no more than one or two. The Canadian Diabetes Association’s website has great tips and tricks on how to stay healthy and still enjoy the holidays.
What “naughty” food do you allow yourself to indulge in?
Birthday cake. Birthdays are for celebrating the people you love, and for me and my family, having birthday cake is a part of that celebration. However moderation, planning and balance are the keys to staying healthy. Healthy eating doesn’t mean having to give up your favourite foods or enjoying special occasions. The Canadian Diabetes Association’s ‘Just the Basics’ resources are available in different languages and include helpful tips on healthy eating, sample meal plans for big and small appetites and recommendations on physical activity.
