Diet Detective: What happens to our body when we eat too much sugar?
Brooke: When we consume sugar, it causes insulin to be alerted. It's insulin's job to tell all that sugar where to go, and it mainly tells the body to start storing fat. That was great when we were cavemen and might have to go awhile until our next meal. But in this day and age, insulin tells our body to store fat, and then we eat again and it tells our body to store more fat. All that fat storage and the constant presence of insulin leads to metabolic syndrome, which can then lead to diabetes and more.
More: 7 Exercise Tips to Manage Diabetes
Diet Detective: What's your all-time favorite healthy snack?
Brooke: I love nuts.
Diet Detective: What's always in your fridge?
Brooke: We're never without eggs, Greek yogurt, lots of berries, mixed greens and leftovers from dinner the night before. We are a big leftover family. Because of my crazy work schedule I'm not always home in time to cook dinner, but by making bigger portions when I do have time to cook, we utilize the leftovers and make them into quick, easy meals. My favorite is roasting a chicken on a Sunday night, and then throughout the week we'll have a version of chicken tacos, or I can throw chicken over mixed greens for a fast meal to bring to the office for lunch.
Diet Detective: Your breakfast today?
Brooke: Greek yogurt with Qia cereal (chia seeds, buckwheat groats and hemp seeds) and some blueberries.
More: Are You Eating the Right Breakfast?
Diet Detective: Your favorite junk food?
Brooke: I wouldn't say I like junk food. I like real food and food with ingredients I can recognize.
Diet Detective: What would you choose for your last meal?
Brooke: Really good quality sushi—lots of it, and then I'd probably finish with a flourless chocolate cookie from my favorite French bakery here.
Diet Detective: What's your favorite healthy ingredient?
Brooke: Frozen, organic veggies are my favorite staple.
Please provide a few words on the following:
Diet Detective: Organic foods?
Brooke: Worth the price.
Diet Detective: Antioxidants?
Brooke: Hello red wine and chocolate.
More: The Diet Detective: Your Guide to Antioxidants
Diet Detective: Artificial sweeteners?
Brooke: No way.
More: The Truth About Artificial Sweeteners
Diet Detective: Cooking sprays (e.g. Pam)?
Brooke: I'd rather use butter.
Diet Detective: Food additives and preservatives?
Brooke: No, thank you.
Diet Detective: Nutritional supplements?
Brooke: Security blanket.
More: 3 Simple Ways to Cut Sugar Out of Your Diet
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