Q–I don`t understand the meaning of label designations such as ”lite”
and ”lean” on meat and poultry. Can you explain?
A–Until lately, those terms, or the words ”extra lean,” could be used interchangeably on meat and poultry products containing 25 percent or less fat than a comparable food, and on any product that has no more than 10 percent fat overall.
Now the U.S. Department of Agriculture has modified the definitions. Future labeling will more accurately reflect the actual fat content of these products, and ensure that foods bearing these designations are either naturally low in fat or have a reduced fat content.
Under these new rules, manufacturers must disclose on the label the percentage of fat in the food. The term ”extra lean” can be used only on foods containing less than 5 percent fat, while ”lean” and ”low fat” can be used if a product has less than 10 percent fat. The terms ”light,”
”lite,” ”leaner” and ”lower fat” may be employed only if the food contains at least 25 percent less fat than most comparable products on the market. The label must inform the consumer not only of the total fat content, but also of how much less fat it contains than the standard product.
Terms that suggest less fat can be used as part of brand names or trademarks only if the product meets the reduced or low-fat requirements. The claim must be explained on the label.
Certain meat and poultry products intended for weight control are not covered by these regulations, but must contain nutrition labeling information, including data on fat content. In order to allow manufacturers to use up existing packaging, the USDA has given processors a year to comply with these regulations.
Q–Can you describe the extent of the tooth damage associated with bulimia?
A–The results of a study recently reported in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicated that the majority of individuals who are actively bulimic and vomit at least three times a week for more than four years will have some erosion of the enamel. Investigators from the Family Practice Dental Clinic at the University of Minnesota School of Dentistry, and the Eating Disorders Clinic of the Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, examined the effects of bulimia on the teeth in 66 women, between the ages of 18 and 34, who admitted to vomiting at least three times per week. A total of 25, or almost 38 percent, showed significant tooth erosion directly related to the duration of vomiting.
As the study points out, the actual prevalence of erosion is probably even higher than the findings revealed. Some patients refused to participate in the study because they were already receiving dental care for bulimia-related problems. Had these individuals joined the study, prevalence figures might have risen.
To help save the teeth of bulimics from acid destruction, bicarbonate rinses can be used after vomiting. These neutralize the gastric acid remaining in the mouth. Fluoridated toothpaste and mouthwashes or topical fluoride treatments may lessen the effects of the acid and strengthen teeth against further harm. However, the usefulness of these measures has not yet been determined.
Damage to the teeth, although serious, is only part of the larger problem faced by bulimics. Individuals with this condition need to seek help to bring the situation under control.
Incidentally, while the reason for tooth damage is clear, the question of why the teeth of some individuals who are chronic, frequent vomiters go unharmed remains a mystery.
Q–I often cook a turkey because it is inexpensive and popular with my family, but the problem is leftovers. Do you have any recipes for preparing leftover turkey that are not high in fat and calories? My family is tired of stir-fry and tomato and garlic sauces, and my other recipes are just too rich. A–The following dish is not only low in calories and fat, but tastes very good and can be prepared in just a few minutes: For four servings, brown 2 cloves of minced garlic and 2 teaspoons of cumin seed in 2 tablespoons of oil. Add 3 cups of diced turkey and stir for a minute or so. Finally, add 1 1/ 3 cups of fat-free yogurt, 1 to 2 teaspoon of ground tumeric, and a few grinds of pepper, and heat gently.
The resulting dish contains only 250 calories per serving and less than a tablespoon of fat.
