Threesome To Thrive: What's on your Plate?
So the holidays are officially over and I’m personally happy to bid them farewell.
Sure the food and celebration are great in the moment… desserts, wine, restaurants, more desserts and on it goes.
But when all is said and done, all you might be left with is extra bloat, mild headaches (extra sugar anyone?) and possibly a lack of energy too.
At least those are my current feels.
And yes, I’m fully aware that enjoying food in moderation is perfectly fine. But you see, the holidays don’t revolve around moderation… at least not in my world.
It’s an abundance, an overflow, a too-much too-often scenario.
But it’s also in your face which makes resisting these temptations even more challenging.
Why resist at all, you say?
Because sometimes you have to say no.
Because the “no” to one thing (sugar cookies) is a definitive “yes” for another (feeling better, less bloated, no sugar crash)
Because delayed gratification is a skillset that’s not always easy in the face of our immediate impulses that sometimes take over… but that’s for another blog!
So now, after the many indulgences I thoroughly enjoyed, I am more than ready to go back to my trio…. my threesome to thrive!
These 3 pillars are what help guide my food choices when I want to steer back onto a healthier path that’s sustainable and simple.
Here they are!
Are these on your plate?
Protein: I’ve probably preached protein consumption more than any other macronutrient but it’s worth repeating. Protein packs a punch simply because it takes the body longer to digest and keeps us feeling fuller longer. Because of its satiety plus the fact that it helps repair and rebuild lean muscle tissue and stabilize blood sugar levels, protein is my number one go-to. The must-have on my plate. Fish, poultry, beef, bison, pork, seafood, lentils, chickpeas are all great sources!
Fibre: When I say fibre, I’m not talking cereal, bread, crackers or bars… sorry! Fibre-rich foods are vegetables and fruits, especially broccoli, swiss chard, artichokes, brussels sprouts, beets, apples, strawberries and pears. Again, because of the water content in these foods, you’ll feel fuller longer. Likewise, digestion keeps humming along and blood sugar levels are controlled. So get in your greens, eat fruit with the peel and increase your fibre intake by adding these to each meal.
Fats: Ok, so for those who are still stuck in the 80’s and lived through the low-fat craze, I know it’s hard to adjust…but the truth is fat is good for you. Olive oil, avocados, nuts, seeds, these all contain healthy fats that once again not only make your food taste better, but will also keep you feeling fuller for longer. Once again, a win-win situation especially if you feel an afternoon hunger pang approach. You don’t need much of it but please don’t skip it altogether; your body, digestion, hormones and blood sugar levels will all benefit from consuming healthy fats.
So what might that look like on your plate?
Here are a few ideas to try…
Baked cod with olive oil and lemon with a side of brussels sprouts and garden salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, tomatoes and celery.
Or slices of pork loin drizzled with an olive oil and balsamic glaze and a side of sautéed mushrooms with lentils.
Or how about a savoury shrimp salad with lemon zest and avocado slices on a bed of arugula and spinach?
These are just a few ideas but the possibilities are endless.
Simple, easy to prepare, delicious and satisfying too.
Give my “threesome to thrive” a go…. feel better, stay fuller longer and enjoy!
