— LUNCH
Here is some inspiration for a balanced, wholesome lunch today:
– Lots of lean protein like chicken, tofu, or chickpeas.
– Side of leafy greens such as lettuce, kale, or baby spinach. Keep them raw or cook low and slow to preserve as many nutrients as possible.
– Some seasonal fruit, nuts, or seeds instead of dessert.
— DINNER: LET'S SAY GO OUT
Believe it or not, whether you eat at a fast-food truck at a festival or a fine dining restaurant from the red Michelin Guide, you eat way more calories and saturated fat than you need. How so? The explanation is simple. These establishments focus on exceptional taste, yet, not healthy cooking.
Restaurants overuse fat and salt, obviously, without explicitly saying so on the menu. French, European, and American cuisines are also known for using excessive butter for cooking. And don’t forget that when eating out for a social event, you relax and become less cautious about overeating. The good news is, there are simple steps to follow to avoid negative consequences after your dinner out:
1) By now, you already know that you need to aim for high-protein and high-fat choices.
2) If possible, have a small meal or a healthy snack at home beforehand.
This way, you won’t be starving and won’t order a bunch more than you need. For snack ideas and recipes, check out our snacks recipes.
3) Always drink water during the meal. It reduces hunger, too!
4) If you did actually order too much, never hesitate to take away the leftovers. Many feel obliged to finish the whole portion, but you can always finish it another time.