Healthy and Fast

Do you have dips in energy during the day? Fancy learning how to eat healthily but also, in pace with modern life, want some ideas for a quick and easy way to eat? In this article I'll be giving ten pointers on how to eat healthily, quickly and easily with a special focus on keeping blood sugar stable.

1. Break the fast properly - Start the day with a balanced and filling breakfast, e.g porridge, muesli. This is important especially if you've got a heavy morning schedule. Slow releasing sugars are the best to sustain us between meals.

2. Munch through lunch - eat a satisfying lunch but light dinner and take a few moments to let it digest before you get up from the table. Ideally, this is your biggest meal. Rest for a few minutes after eating or go for a short walk before re-starting work.

3. Fresh is best - Use fresh, seasonal, organic, unprocessed foods as much as possible and include more lentils and beans in your diet. They contain nutrients and soluble as well as insoluble fibre, both important to balance our energy levels.

4. You've got to chew each mouthful thoroughly before swallowing it so you absorb the maximum amount of nutrients in your food.

5. Eat in peace - Eat at a comfortable pace and in a calm atmosphere to enhance the digestive process.

6. Drink plenty of water throughout the day but away from meals so your digestive juices remain at optimum concentration during mealtime.

7. Be wary of dairy especially if you have allergic reactions. Remember, moderation is the key!

8. Have a snack store - Stock up on healthy snacks such as unsalted and unroasted nuts and seeds, dried fruits, a variety of seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables. Be creative and make your own snacks, especially for when you're on the move!

9. Go for wholegrains and cereals such as shortgrain brown rice and basmati rice, quinoa, millet, couscous. Tip: to speed up the cooking time and digestion of brown rice, soak it overnight or for at least a couple of hours beforehand.

10. Use sweet spices - especially if you have a sweet tooth! Cinnamon and cardamom are two of my personal favourites for food and tea. Licorice is also a good option. Keep a piece of licorice or cinnamon in your pocket to chew on!

Copyright 2007 Janet Gomez. All rights reserved.