Yes...the holidays are right around the corner and we'll all be more busy than we usually are. So heres some tips to keep that energy level up.....
Eat regular meals and snacksThe golden rule for high energy eating
is to keep your blood sugar (aka glucose) steady by never to going more than 4
to 5 hours without eating. Glucose is the brain's main fuel. When it dips you
get that foggy tired feeling. Prevent that and stay energized by giving your
brain and your body a steady flow of food.
Include some protein in each mealLean meat, fish, beans, egg,
low-fat dairy and nuts all count as protein. So get that pasta dish with some
chicken and shrimp in it, or add some beans and nuts to your lunch salad.
Avoid large mealsNo one knows exactly why, but large fatty meals
make you feel tired. Keeping meals light helps keep you energized. So put down
your fork when you reach a 5 or 6 on a scale of one to ten. (1 = starving and 10
= "Thanksgiving full").
Stay well hydratedFatigue is one of the first signs of
dehydration, so make sure you drink enough. On average women need 9 cups of
fluid a day and men need 13. But everyone is different. How do you know you're
dinking enough? Your thirst is actually a pretty accurate guide. So here's some
down-home advice: if you are thirsty, drink.
And for those chilly nights...heres a nice Pumkin Soup recipe. Enjoy!
Serves 4
Ingredients
3/4 cup water
1 small onion, chopped
1 can (8 ounces) pumpkin puree
1 cup unsalted vegetable broth
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 cup fat-free milk
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 green onion, green top only, chopped
Directions
In a large saucepan, heat 1/4 cup of the water over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Don't let the onion dry out.
Add the remaining water, pumpkin, broth, cinnamon and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Stir in the milk and cook until hot. Don't boil.
Ladle into warmed individual bowls and garnish with black pepper and green onion tops. Serve immediately.
Nutritional analysis per serving
| Serving size: 1 cup |
| Calories | 72 | Sodium | 241 mg |
| Total fat | 1 g | Total carbohydrate | 12 g |
| Saturated fat | < 1 g | Dietary fiber | 2 g |
| Monounsaturated fat | < 1 g | Protein | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 1 mg | | |
