Today we've got a rapid fire Q & A!

Here it goes:
Can I drink too much green tea -- I drink 4 cups each day.
Unlikely, just don't drink it too close to bed because of the caffeine.
How much caffeine does green tea have?
Approximately 20-50 mg, depending if it's in a bag (like Lipton) or loose leaf (this has more than the bagged variety).
Is peanut butter healthy?
It can be. Opt for the varieties that have 2 ingredients -- peanuts, salt (Smuckers Natural, Whole Foods 365 brand, Crazy Teddies, etc). Jif, Skippy, and other similar products that don't need to be refrigerated typically have trans fat and sugar added to them. Not good! And watch the portions as PB is easy to overeat.
Is meat OK to eat -- there seems to be a trend for vegetarian lifestyles. Is that healthier?
Meat is definitely OK to eat. Red meat should be in moderation (~1x/week), fish several times each week, chicken and turkey breast are great and lean. Meat (including any animal product) is one food group where we encourage organic, free range. Check out the Bardstown Road Farmers Market that's still going on every other week throughout the winter for great, local options. Being a vegetarian can be healthy, but remember that deep fried tofu and French fries are vegetarian. If you choose a vegetarian lifestyle, you have to be smart about your intake.
How much water should I drink each day?
A minimum of 8 cups - when you're active, though, this number goes up. Easy rule of thumb, you want your urine to look like pale lemonade vs. apple juice.
What are healthy snacks? My family prefers chips and cookies.
Those kinds of foods are OK in moderation -- we define moderation as 10% of the time, or put another way, 1/10 meals or snacks. Don't buy them, then they're not around. Instead try these: raw almonds, walnuts, pecans, pistachios, veggie sticks, fruit, hummus, cottage cheese, yogurt, hardboiled eggs, or whole grain crackers.
What do you think of artificial sweeteners?
Ideally anything artificial won't be added to your body -- it's artificial. But, with that said, if your vice is regular soda, diet would be better...or instead of sweet tea, diet tea would be better. Artificial sweeteners are in a lot of foods, though, like "light" yogurt, "1/2 the sugar Tropicana OJ" and others. Limit them.
Can I drink alcohol?
Recommendation is 1 drink/day for women, 2 drinks/day for men. Alcohol itself has calories, and then watch the mixed drinks that add even more unnecessary calories.
How many calories do I need each day?
Depending on your goals, 1500 calories each day should be sufficient. You can accomplish that with 1 Quarter Pounder with cheese, medium fries and a small soda at McD's (and nothing else), or load up on much healthier options that provide less calories, but many more nutrients. Your call.

There you have it. We love the questions, so keep 'em coming!

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