Friday, March 2, 2012

Be Busy, Eat Well.



I would suggest bringing food with you. Yes, bringing your lunch. It may sound lame, but it really can make a difference in how you feel (and in your wallet).  I won’t be suggesting to you “Bring salad every day” because, who really likes salad that much?

 If you were to walk into your panty right now, what would you have? Some rice? Pasta? Well! Those things are EASY to tote around. Don’t have access to a microwave or a refrigerator? Great! You don’t need those things to bring lunch with you!
 
Here are some tips:

  • Use Tupperware or Glad containers- small and portable with a tight seal.
  • Use frozen vegetables (like corn, or edamame)- this can eliminate the need to use an insulated bag and frozen ice pack.
  • Eat grains- cooking grains for one always results in more than you need, so next time you make rice or pasta save some in the fridge.
  • Salad dressing- use your favorite as the flavoring for your dish (the best part is it’s already made!)

Lunch and breakfast are the easiest meals to go meatless. Yes, food without meat. No meat equals no need to microwave or refrigerate!

Studies have shown that eating at least one meatless meal a week has many benefits.

One health advantage of eating a more plant-based diet or eating less meat is the lowered risk of Heart Disease. This health benefit reaches all of the parts of the heart and its connections (cardiovascular system) e.g. blood, blood vessels, plaque build-up and more. In a study it was shown that the risk for inflammation of individuals could be reduced up to 19%. This reduced risk of heart disease and better blood flow increases your life expectancy and decreases your risk for stroke. It also helps improve personal physical performance making it easier to elevate blood levels easier without worry of attack.

I would argue that these benefits are ideal for everyone, and it only takes as little as one meatless meal a week.  Give it a try!

2 comments:

  1. I like the idea of bringing lunch with you to work or school, or wherever you may be for the day. I think it is a great idea to cook food ahead of time, like on Sunday night, and have enough to take with you every day during the week. You could make thinks like pasta salad, or tuna salad, or even chicken salad sandwiches. I would have to say that I disagree with the comment stating that if there is no meat in the dish, it doesn't need to be refrigerated. I believe that things that have been cooked should be refrigerated after being cooled in order to avoid potential food illness. Going meatless at least once a week is a good idea for everyone, because you don’t need meat every day!

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  2. I think the ideas you offered up in this blog are not only helpful but are easy for people who are pinched for time to do as well. I find that when I take my lunch to work or school that I also tend to snack less since I am not constantly running back and forth to the deli or snack bar looking for my next meal fix. In addition by offering up suggestions on how to carry those meals quickly and effectively this may lead others to want to start packing their lunches as well! The only comment that I disagree with is not needing a microwave or refrigeration when no meat is present, because food borne illness can still live in items such as mayonnaise and other dairy products if they are not kept at an adequate temperature or if they are left out to long at room temperature.

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