The world of Tzu Chi (Vol.107)

TZU CHI 107 51 Ng Hui Ling A nutritionist with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and a Master’s degree in Sports Science, who served at the Singapore Heart Foundation before becoming self-employed, providing dietary consultations to vegetarians and writing a nutrition column for a health magazine. feel comfortable having more coffee than they should on days when they do not get enough sleep. I often say with a smile, “You can add milk powder, soy milk, evaporated milk or fresh milk when you make coffee at home.” Every time I mention these combinations, people would ask doubtfully, “Is it nice to drink? Coffee with soy milk (or milk powder) sounds weird!” Creamer is not milk powder I have a friend who makes coffee this way every day – she would put two packets of 3-in-1 white coffee in a big mug, add hot water, stir, and then add ice cubes into the hot coffee. We usually find creamer or sugar listed as the first ingredient of 3-in-1 coffee. But creamer is not milk powder although they look very similar, and it is not a source of protein and calcium. Instead, it is a source of trans fat. One way to add some protein or calcium to coffee is to add some fresh milk to it. The Cappuccinos and Lattes that are commonly available at coffee shop chains contain protein. Latte especially, has higher protein content due to the higher amount of fresh milk in it. For readers who love drinking 3-in-1 coffee with hazelnut flavour, you may want to check the product ingredients on the label before purchasing to make sure that the flavour comes from real hazelnuts and not artificial flavouring essence. As a female, I take into consideration the effects of caffeine in coffee for women – it inhibits the body’s absorption of iron and increases the risks of bone loss. For me, I usually drink coffee in between two meals. But for those who have not developed the habit of drinking coffee, I would not recommend them to do so. Some people come to see me looking tired, telling me the amount of coffee they need to take daily to stay focused in their work, and ask for healthy coffee recommendations. I understand that they have a lot to cope with in life, but for those who cannot concentrate on their work due to insufficient sleep, and are concerned about healthier coffee choices, I do not think that is the point. Their problem has nothing to do with coffee. What their tired body and mind need is a good sleep. Nutritional knowledge is meant to be applied with flexibility in our life, not constrain us like a rope. For me, some obsessions are unnecessary. Those who are against drinking coffee are very critical when a nutritionist goes for it, while coffee lovers validate their love for coffee by thinking that it is not harmful to health. My “Okay” hand gesture to the coffee stall helper was purely a show of support for someone who was mindful in his service. That’s all it was.