Nutrition Bit: Oatmeal by Robert Esparza, Dietetic Student

Most days of the week, oatmeal is an important part of my breakfast meals. Let's revisit the goodness of oatmeal and be reminded why it is good for us. Here, one of my dietetic students, Robert Esparza, shares with us some nutrition bits about oatmeal.

Robert Esparza will be graduating with his MS in nutrition and dietetics a month from now.  Loma Linda University will be soon proud to call him an alumnus.  Robert has been an outstanding student with great work ethic and will make a wonderful contribution to the world of nutrition.



Enjoy the goodness of oatmeal and make it a part of your healthy lifestyle!

If you are interested in becoming a registered dietitian, please visit Loma Linda University's website. www.llu.edu/nutrition.

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What is your favorite morning cereal and why?



Product Review: Accel Gel

Variety is the spice of life and that includes changing up sports aids for my palate. Last year, I was really into using solely sports chews and a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. I'm the type that eating the same thing over and over can make my taste buds get into a state of burn-out.

For my long runs this year, I have put back in the gels. I still do not like them one hundred per cent, because of the "stickiness factor". However, I have been feeling really good on my long runs taking Accel Gel on a schedule. What I love about this product is that it has 5 gms of protein in every pouch. However, it is one of the lower ones in carbohydrate offering only 20 grams of carbohydrate. The recommendation is to take in 30 to 60 grams of carbohydrate every hour of your run or ride. The supplemental protein in the gel certainly stabilizes blood sugars better, making me feel really good from start to finish.

This may not be the gel for you, but it is worth giving it a try. Your run or ride may be more enjoyable if you infuse your activity with a few grams of protein every hour. If "Accel Gel" is new for you, start slow and see how your digestive system handles it.

Cheers to your next long run or ride!

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What is your favorite sports gel, chew, or beans and why?