Sponsored: Living with lactose intolerance
QUESTION: I have lactose intolerance. Is it better for me to buy goat's milk and cheeses than cow's milk and cheeses?
ANSWER: Lactose is the naturally occurring sugar found in milk from mammals whether cow, sheep or goats. Some individuals have lactose intolerance or acquire this as they grow older. Their bodies do not produce enough of the enzyme (lactase) to help digest the lactose so they have gastrointestinal issues like gas, bloating and diarrhea.
Sponsored: Where does Laura Lynn milk come from?
QUESTION: Where does Ingles Laura Lynn milk come from?
ANSWER: Most (80%) of the dairy farmers who supply Ingles Markets with Laura Lynn milk live within about 100-150 miles of Asheville. These dairy farms generally have about 100-200 cows and are family owned like English Farm in Marion NC and Ramsey Dairy Farm in Fairview.
Sponsored: Can you come do a presentation for my group?
QUESTION: Do you do talks for the public and if so, what is the cost?
Answer: Yes! I frequently do presentations on nutrition and food related topics for various non-profit groups, students, and community organizations. I request that you have a minimum of 50 people in attendance for the presentation. There is no cost. The best way to check on my availability is to e-mail me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call me at: 800-334-4936.
Sponsored: Should I be concerned about BPA in can liners?
QUESTION: Should I be worried about BPA liners in cans and be buying BPA-free cans?
Answer: While some brands do offer BPA-free cans this is not commonplace and this is typically noted on the label.
Sponsored: Healthy ways to make your oatmeal more exciting
QUESTION: I get bored with my plain old oatmeal. Can you give me some ideas on some different things to add to it?
Answer: Try cooking your oatmeal with milk or flavored non-dairy milk ( like vanilla soy/coconut or almond) to make it more creamy. You can also add in some dried fruit like raisins or chopped dates while cooking the oatmeal.
Sponsored: Learn more about a gluten-free diet
QUESTION: One of my New Year’s resolutions was to eat healthier and so I have been trying a gluten-free diet. Do you think a gluten-free diet is healthy and will it help me lose weight?
Answer: Gluten is a combination of the proteins (glutenin and gliadin) found in wheat, barley and rye. For individuals with celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is a medical necessity and is currently the only treatment for that disease.
Sponsored: Controlling sodium in your diet
QUESTION: I have high blood pressure and have been told to cut down on salt and sodium. What should I be looking at on the label?
Answer: One of the key recommendations of the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans is: "Reduce daily sodium intake to less than 2,300milligrams (mg) and further reduce intake to 1,500 mg among persons who are 51 and older and those of any age who are African American or have hypertension, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease."
Sponsored: The keys to carbohydrate counting
QUESTION: I have noticed you have a gluten-free section and tag items that are gluten-free – why not a sugar-free section for diabetics?
The good news is that unlike those who need gluten-free products for celiac disease or other medical conditions, someone with diabetes, whether it is Type 1 or Type 2, can virtually buy products throughout the store – as long as they are reading labels! Carbohydrate counting is the method that the American Diabetes Association recommends (www.diabetes.org) for diabetes dietary management of both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes.
Sponsored: Meet Leah McGrath, Ingles corporate dietitian
What sort of training or degrees do you have?
I have two undergraduate degrees, a B.A. in Speech Communications from West Chester University and a B.S in Human Nutrition from the University of Maryland and I have done some work towards a Master's in Marketing.