Treatment GuideJust DiagnosedSex & DatingAfrican AmericanStigmaAsk the HIV DocPrEP En EspañolNewsVoicesPrint IssueVideoOut 100
CONTACTCAREER OPPORTUNITIESADVERTISE WITH USPRIVACY POLICYPRIVACY PREFERENCESTERMS OF USELEGAL NOTICE
© 2024 Pride Publishing Inc.
All Rights reserved
All Rights reserved
By continuing to use our site, you agree to our Private Policy and Terms of Use.
HIV-infected or not, people need to consume adequate amounts of food -- rather than supplements -- as their primary source of nutrients whenever possible. Several studies over the past few years have suggested that obesity has become a significant problem for both adolescents and adults with HIV infection. Even while overeating, many are getting less -- or even far less -- micronutrients than is needed. When looking at calories, a good routine will include choosing wisely and leaving room to enjoy the pleasures that food has to offer. There are lots of ways to accomplish this, but I recommend five specifically. Tip 1: Find a good routine that you can repeat almost every day. If you have a routine food you eat most days, choose the healthiest version. For instance, choose a whole grain bagel over the cinnamon-raisin kind. Or choose those sweet fat-free caramel rice cakes over the bag of M&Ms that you just can't seem to stop eating. Tip 2: Be aware of appropriate portion sizes. If a restaurant serves you a bulging plate of food, decide how much you will box up to take home even before you begin eating. Then push the plate aside when you reach that point. Tip 3: Find good menu choices in your favorite fast-food or other restaurants. Find out what is really in those meals and make your best choice. If the Southwest Salad has chili (and you really love chili!), you can leave off the dressing and sour cream for a healthier alternative to a cheeseburger and fries. Tip 4: Identify good choices for routine treats you can have every day. Rather than making a big bowl of ice cream a nightly routine, move into a habit of having nonfat vanilla yogurt and add berries. Tip 5: If you want to indulge, do it once in a while and don't go crazy! Unless your medical condition dictates otherwise, you can probably indulge in that decadent treat occasionally. But remember, it needs to fit into the quest for maximizing the nutritional value of your overall diet. Fields-Gardner is the director of services for the HIV nutrition company Cutting Edge and is a member of the International AIDS Society and the American Dietetic Association's Dietetic Practice Group on HIV and AIDS. She is the author of Living Well With HIV and AIDS: A Guide to Nutrition and a coauthor of HIV Medications: Food Interactions and A Clinician's Guide to Nutrition in HIV and AIDS.
Want more breaking equality news & trending entertainment stories?
Check out our NEW 24/7 streaming service: the Advocate Channel!
Download the Advocate Channel App for your mobile phone and your favorite streaming device!
From our Sponsors
Most Popular
Diets that mimic fasting reverse aging: study
March 07 2024 5:28 PM
Before AIDS, gay artist Rex drew hot men on the prowl — then he disappeared
April 11 2024 3:15 PM
The Most Amazing HIV Allies & Advocates of 2023
November 03 2023 12:51 PM
PrEP without a prescription now a reality in California
February 06 2024 8:37 PM
This OnlyFans Star Is Trying to Raise $100K to Fight HIV
December 26 2023 3:05 PM
Injectable HIV treatment, prevention: Everything you need to know
March 26 2024 3:28 PM
The naked Black body takes center stage in this HIV campaign
January 03 2024 1:07 PM
8 dating tips for gay men from a gay therapist
March 21 2024 2:50 PM
Mr. Gay World wants to make sure you're OK
January 02 2024 4:56 PM
Plus: Featured Video
Latest Stories
Giselle Byrd is taking center stage — and helping others do the same
April 10 2024 2:24 PM
Discover endless fun at The Pride Store: Games & electronics for all ages
April 09 2024 4:25 PM
Mean Girls' Daniel Franzese on playing an HIV+ character
April 09 2024 3:57 PM
HIV-positive Air Force, Navy servicemembers victorious in lawsuit
April 09 2024 3:02 PM
Unlocking a new level of beauty with Dr Botanicals' ethical skincare line
April 08 2024 3:40 PM
Unleash your wild side with The Pride Store’s beginner’s guide to kink
April 08 2024 3:35 PM
Why are mpox cases in the U.S. on the rise again?
April 08 2024 1:30 PM
Happy national foreskin day!
April 04 2024 1:45 PM
Adult entertainment icons Derek Kage & Cody Silver lead fight for free speech
April 03 2024 3:06 PM
LGBTQ+ patients twice as likely to face discrimination: survey
April 02 2024 4:57 PM
Spring into The Pride Store’s top new arrivals for April
April 02 2024 4:39 PM
Nashville PD Must Pay HIV-Positive Man Denied a Job
April 01 2024 6:22 PM
Common has a message on how to foster self-love
March 29 2024 7:33 PM
Listen to Dr. Levine: Take syphilis seriously
March 28 2024 6:40 PM
Breaking boundaries in gender-free fashion with Stuzo Clothing
March 27 2024 2:15 PM
Find your perfect fit with gender-inclusive fashion from The Pride Store
March 26 2024 2:16 PM
Sexual assault survivor Stephen Hart uses theater to heal
March 25 2024 5:52 PM