Eat Well to Feel Well
Why is it that many people take care when making choices about the fuel they put into their car but are so lacking in thought when it comes to providing fuel for their own body?
What you eat really does matter. It has a profound effect on your health not just in the immediate but long term. So many diseases, including some cancers, are linked to the food we consume.
Here are some tips to you help you give your body, and mind, the nutritional support it needs and deserves.
- eat organic where possible, better for you and the environment;
- eliminate of reduce your intake of red meat;
- always choose a lean source of meat;
- eat vegetable protein, such as tofu, mung beans and aduki beans on a regular basis;
- eat foods high in essential fatty acids (EFA's) such as wild salmon,
mackerel, flaxseed oil, linseeds, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds;
- reduce your intake of saturated fats (e.g.red meat, dairy, cakes and
biscuits);
- help balance your blood sugar levels by having five small meals rather than three main meals;
- always eat breakfast. Traditional porridge with soya milk and a handful of blueberries would be a great choice;
- reduce or eliminate your intake of processed foods (they can be high in sugar, salt, additives and bad fats, such as hydrogenated fats);
- reduce or eliminate your intake of sugar. Start to think of sugar as a poison. Read labels as food is added to all sorts of food;
- watch your salt intake. Use herbs and spices to flavour food instead of salt;
- look on cooking as a joy not a chore (where possible make extra
portions when you're cooking and freeze them for a day when you're in a rush);
- reduce or eliminate your intake of caffeine (coffee, tea and many soft drinks). If you must drink them, try not to have any after 4pm;
- eat a wide variety of foods;
- eat at least three portions of fruit a day;
- eat at least four portions of vegetables a day;
- eat complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat pasta, whole grain rice, beans, quinoa and avoid simple carbohydrates;
- give eating the priority it deserves. That means not watching TV at the same time;
- chew food thoroughly. Put your cutlery down between mouthfuls;
- stop eating when comfortably full. You do not have to 'clear the plate'.
Remember, your health needs you to make healthy eating choices. This will support the complementary medicine treatment you receive from Ailsa.
