When You Eat Matters as Much as What You Eat
We all know that what we put into our mouths is important to our overall health and well-being but did you know that when you eat certain foods can be just as vital? It can affect everything from how well you sleep to how much weight you gain or loss! Try these five tips to better health.
Breakfast. After a long night without food our bodies need fuel to get going in the morning. The best thing to grab is not a bowl of cereal, full of carbs. That will only last an hour or so. To really keep your blood sugar steady throughout the morning, opt instead of protein. And we're not talking pounds of bacon and sausage. Those are good in moderation. Instead think, eggs (omelettes, quiche) or nut butters such as peanut or almond. I like a banana with almond butter and a glass of coconut milk for breakfast. It really staves off the hangry factor!
After a Workout. This is the time of day when you can really benefit from a bit of carbohydrates, but if you want to get the biggest bang for your nutritional buck, combine them with a bit of protein. Cheese and crackers, nuts with dried fruit - these are great options that don't pack on too many calories but keep the body fueled.
Lunch. Make lunch your biggest meal of the day. If you wait until dinner, you're not giving your body enough time before you hit the sack to work off those calories. So go big in the middle of the day. It will help you lose weight if that's your goal - or at least prevent you from g aining more. But this isn't your chance to go crazy - everything in moderation, focus on whole grains, fruits and vegetables and lean proteins.
Afternoon Snack. Feeling those afternoon dips in energy and mental acuity? Reach for a handful of nuts. Research shows that the good fat in nuts can help improve our memory. And because you're getting the fat your brain craves in nuts, you're less likely to keep eating. Just remember to keep it to handful. Any more and you'll undo all the good you did.
Dinner. If falling to sleep is tough for you, consider a dinner high in fiber. Research indicates that a meal high in fiber and low in saturated fats will help you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Opt for lean protein like grilled fish, chicken or shrimp over quinoa and a plate filled with fiber-filled veggies - broccoli, peas, Brussels sprouts, avocado. For tons of great recipes for just the right time of the day, be sure to check out our Seasonal Recipes page. You can also sign up for a class on our Classes page.
