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"Diana, just a quick heads up to let you know we are still using your cookbook and the guys will often be heard saying what would Diana say about this or that....really good feed back... I made your potato salad and the oriental coleslaw on Sat. for a family luncheon and had rave reviews so thanks again."
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The 7 Steps To Eating For Energy
As seen on BCTV February 1/00
If you lack energy, any or all of the following factors may need to be adjusted in your diet.
1. Get into a straight-line-state with blood sugar.
To prevent highs and lows and swings in energy, plan to feed yourself every 3-4 hours throughout the day. A pattern of 3 meals with regular snacks in between works well for most people.
2. Keep your fat intake reasonable.
This means not too much fat, but also, not too little. De-emphasize poor quality fats like hydrogenated fats and trans fats. Emphasize higher quality fats such as nut oils, olive and canola oil.
3. Stay well hydrated.
This can be achieved by drinking one glass of water with each meal and snack throughout the day.
4. Get enough key nutrients.
Our bodies require and use over 50 different nutrients each day. They are all important. Two really key nutrients to emphasize with respect to energy are iron and calcium.
5. Choose quality foods.
This means choose whole grains instead of refined grains, fresh or frozen produce instead of canned and perhaps even organic instead of regular foods.
6. Respect your body’s natural hunger and fullness cues.
Practice tuning into when you are full versus stuffed. Even if you eat the right foods, if the portions are too large you can end up feeling tired and sluggish.
7. Realize that in addition to eating well, exercise, sleep, stress management, good relationships and many other factors need to be looked at when trying to establish a high energy level.
Watch for the Eating for Energy segment every Tuesday on BCTV’s Noon News Hour!
Excerpts from The 101 Most Asked Nutrition Questions by Patricia Chuey and reprinted with permission