Page 264 - Nutrition Essentials for Nursing Practice

252 U N I T 2 Nutrition in Health Promotion

In the Buddhist faith, life revolves around nature with its two opposing energy systems of
yin and yang (ElGindy, 2005c). Examples of these opposing energy systems are heat/cold,
light/darkness, good/evil, and sickness/health. Illnesses may result from an imbalance of
yin and yang. Most Buddhists subscribe to the concept of ahimsa (not killing or harming),
so many are lacto-ovo vegetarians. Some eat fish; some avoid only beef. Buddhist dietary
practices vary widely depending on the sect and country. Buddhist monks avoid eating solid
food after the noon hour.

HOW DO YOU RESPOND?

Is all fast food bad? No, not all fast foods are “bad.” “Bad” is a relative term that
depends on how often and how much. But even when “healthy” selections are made,
such as a grilled chicken sandwich or a plain baked potato, fast-food meals tend to be
low in fiber, fruit, vegetables, and milk/dairy products. While an occasional fast-food
meal will not jeopardize someone’s nutritional status, a steady diet of it can be
detrimental for what it provides (too much fat, calories, and sodium) and for what
it lacks.

CASE STUDY

Elizabet moved to the Midwest at the age of 26 years from her native country, Iceland,
where she ate seafood almost every evening for dinner. She ate fruit and vegetables daily,
but the variety was limited. In her new home, she complains that good seafood is hard to
find—that it is not as fresh as it is at home, it tastes different, and it is more expensive.
She also misses the dark brown and black breads she is accustomed to; she is willing to
try American breads but is unsure what variety is “good.” American fast food is well
known to her, but she does not want to rely on that to satisfy her need for familiar foods.
She wants to eat foods that are healthy, tasty, and affordable.

■ What questions would you ask Elizabet before coming up with suggestions about foods
she could try?

■ What would you say to her about her frustration with the seafood available locally?
What suggestions would you make to her?

■ What would you tell her about healthy breads? What fruits would you recommend as
healthy, tasty, and affordable? What vegetables?

STUDY QUESTIONS

1. Which of the following items would be the healthiest choice from a Mexican restaurant?
a. Cheese quesadillas
b. Arroz con pollo
c. Taco salad
d. Guacamole with taco chips

2. A descriptive word that indicates a low-fat cooking technique is
a. Au gratin
b. Breaded
c. Roasted
d. Battered