Are you eating smart?
When it comes to eating lunch or any meal for that matter, we all know that dessert comes last even though some of us may wish it was opposite, but did you know that when it comes to preparing and eating your main course there is one type food that should be the first choice? Well, according to an article on Billings Gazette, written by Dayle Hayes called, “Smart Lunches Start With Produce,” it is recommended that fruits and vegetables should be at the top of the list for what to put on our plate and what to consume first.
Why? Well I am sure most of you know that the majority of Americans do not get enough fruits and vegetables in their diet, although I know it is none of you smart and healthy readers. With that being said even if we do put fruits and veggies on our plate, we may save them for last, and what do you know, by the time you finished all the other food you are already too full to eat the produce you packed. It is time to make a change! If you consciously make an effort to put fruits and vegetables onto your plate first and be sure that it fills up at least half, and eat them first, you will know for sure that the important part of the meal is consumed and not neglected. Maybe it will even prevent you from eating some of the possible unhealthier options you chose for the day because you filled up on the good nutrients. Now that means you are cutting back on calories, but still getting the necessary fuel that your body needs to function. How cool!
With that being said, you still want to make sure that you have a complete and balanced meal, so do not forget to add in some protein to resynthesize new muscle tissue that you have broken up from exercising. Also be sure to include some of the good fats into your meal, such as a small handful of nuts.
Here are some quick tips provided by the article that may help guide you down the path to an intelligent meal:
1. Lunch Regularly- Meaning do not skip lunch! Your body needs the fuel and the nutrients to make it through to the end of your day!
2. Lunch Carefully- Always choose produce first.
3. Lunch Tastefully- Meals that are intentionally pre prepared typically taste better than last night or the night be fore’s leftovers that you had to grab in a rush.
4. Lunch Mindfully- Slow down and enjoy the food you are eating.
By,
Leiana Swanson