Perfect Day
What would a perfect day of eating look like? Start out with some unflavored rolled or steel-cut oatmeal with walnuts, berries, and/or a banana. Flavor with a little maple syrup or peanut butter. Starbucks (and even McDonalds) has a version of this. Some days, have two egg whites scrambled with one whole egg, with some Canadian bacon and whole wheat toast on the side. Have an apple about 10 am – one a day keeps the chubbies away. A chef’s salad with olive oil and balsamic vinegar is great for lunch, especially if you amp up the protein with some chunks of low-salt turkey breast (hold the croutons and cheese). Low-fat string cheese or sugar-free, low-fat yogurt with a 100-calorie pack of almonds or walnuts is ideal in the afternoon, skipping most carbs and upping the healthy fat. The uber dinner consists of wild-caught grilled salmon (frozen is cheaper), steamed vegetables, and that one glass of Pinot Noir you enjoy. New York state brands such as Fox Run, Dr. Konstantin Frank, and Casa Larga have the highest concentration of heart-healthy resveratrol, as do organic brands. Watermelon, cherry juice, or 1% milk an hour before bed have sleep-inducing ingredients that will help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep. Of course, a vegetarian or vegan day will look different but may be even healthier, so why not alternate? Seitan on the barbie, anyone?