Is there something else out there that can add to our wisdom about ourselves, body and mind? There ought to be. So, are there things we can do beyond the usual approaches? Yes!
Until recently, the easiest way to maintain one’s waistline was to drop carbohydrates from the eating regimen. Not so today. It has been discovered that carbs, especially good carbohydrates, are needed for brain health: vegetables, fruits, oats, brown rice, potatoes, whole grain breads—all these, apart from omega-3 oils.
There may be some truth to the expression, “An apple a day keeps the doctor away.” In today’s thinking, it is good for two reasons.
Apple is one of the best diet foods. It is high in fiber and rich in vitamins A, B, C, E and K. This fruit is also a basic ingredient in simple detoxification regimens (preferably green apple, because it has less sugar content than red apples).
Representative of all things natural, the apple is a symbol of the fruit kingdom and the plant species in general.
The message is to encourage you to have more of a plant-based diet. The operative word is “more,” not less. And if your eating regimen doesn’t contain a single piece of green, then it is recommended that you do so.
Adopt a green approach today. This way it can become a lifestyle. And when this becomes a daily habit, it will, in turn, be part of a non-negotiable choice of living. In short, it will become you.
How to begin:
1) Don’t just think green, eat and drink it! Any vegetable will do for a start. For example, add a dash or two of malunggay powder or a few fresh leaves in your salad or soup. Some mix this nutritious food into their favorite cravings.
‘Malunggay’ Butter
Chop six pieces of fresh malunggay leaves or two teaspoons malunggay powder in ¼ cup of fresh butter. Use this as an iron-rich spread.
Herbal Mix
Combine 1/8 teaspoon malunggay powder with basil and oregano. This is a power-packed, nutrient-dense condiment. Add malunggay in your pesto sauce, too.
2) As a side dish—always include a green veggie. For sidings of fish or meat, add steamed broccoli, cauliflower, sweet peas, chicharo, etc.
3) As a main course—the secret is, if you combine any high-protein (meat) dish with carbohydrates, your body will gain weight. The chemistry of protein with carbo contains more calories. On the other hand, vegetables and carbohydrates are so compatible that together, they contain fewer calories. Try it. After a few days, you will notice the difference.
Note: The ideal ratio is 60 percent vegetables, 40 percent carbohydrates, and not the reverse. If you are a carnivore, pair meat with veggies (not carbo).
Quantity
In the end, it’s all about quantity. If you want to lose weight, eat moderately but more frequently.
Here is a preferred schedule:
7 a.m. breakfast: limit to 1 cup
9 a.m. mid-morning snack: fruit and nuts, 1 cup
12 nn lunch: salad and fish, chicken or meat; carbo permitted but limited to ½ cup
3 p.m. mid-afternoon snack: have half a sandwich or consume one whole fresh coconut and coconut water
6:30-7 p.m. dinner: must be light; avoid protein but if you must, choose fish over red meat.
A sedentary life guarantees weight gain. If you do not move your body, you cannot burn calories. Here is the trick: If you will miss your visit to the gym today, restrict your food intake. Now, if you are going to have a full body workout, you must eat more energy foods.
Hydrate properly, then carbo-load before a workout, exercise or marathon. Protein-load after your activity.
How to begin an exercise program? You have two legs, so you can walk, right? Put on a pair of comfortable cross-trainer shoes. Begin with a 20-minute brisk walk at sunrise or sunset. Invest in a rebounder (trampoline); 50-100 nonstop jumps provides perfect lymphatic drainage. This gets the toxins out, increases your heartbeat and stimulates your metabolism. Remember to keep your knees slightly bent when jumping to avoid injury.
Thinking thin
While “thin is in,” there is nothing wrong with being voluptuous. But if you think thin, your mind will be programmed to choose what is healthy and nutritious over what is yummy and deadly. What will eventually happen is a paradigm shift that involves your taste buds and even future cravings.
Healthy keeps you slim. And all things healthy will taste delicious to you from now on. In short, you will give priority to vegetables over any meat dish when given a choice.
This week’s affirmation: “I am a blessing to others.”
Love and light!
E-mail the author: coryquirino1@yahoo.com