I recently spoke to a group of nurses and administrative professionals at a large hospital in Boston during Nurses Appreciation week. They told me one of their biggest challenges to eating well is their somewhat unpredictable workday. Hospital nurses are called upon to address both the planned and the unexpected all in a day’s work.
What Can I Eat on the Fly?
That’s the #1 question. When there is not enough time to sit and have a meal, chances are your attention is drawn in many directions. That is exactly when your brain needs to be nourished. Keep some almonds in your pocket. They will give you the fat and protein nutrients your body needs and will carry you over until you can have a meal.
What’s the Best Diet - Paleo, WeightWatchers or Something Else?
My answer to this question is no diet is the best diet. Diets by design are restrictive and can trigger intense cravings for missing nutrients. Just ask a former Atkins dieter and most will tell you they went crazy for white flour products after being without many carbohydrates while on the diet.
What Is the Best Way to Eat?
The best way to eat is to have meals spaced evenly apart so your blood sugar remains within the comfort zone. Every person is unique so you will need to experiment with the best pattern for you. It may be 3 meals only, or it may be 3 meals with one or two light snacks in between.
What Foods Should I Eat?
A little fat, a larger amount of protein and the highest proportion of high quality carbohydrates will keep you satisfied and give the needed nutrients. Here is a breakfast example: 1/2 avocado (fat and carbohydrate), egg (protein and fat), and tomatoes, mushrooms and spinach (all carbohydrates).
When I am invited to speak to a group, my first thought is who are you? What are your challenges to staying well? How can you address these challenges in a way that will be successful. Companies, including hospitals, are looking for ways to keep their workforce healthy. A healthy workforce benefits everyone because it lowers insurance premiums and improves productivity.
My book, Food Becomes You, is a tool for recovering your health through food. It carries you step by step through planning, shopping and preparing quality foods and the recipes that make it simple. It is available on Kindle and Amazon.