The advice of Dr PERIN CALVAO, MD, Nutritionist

When we are going through a stressful period, be it due to a change of situation or overwork, we sometimes don't take the time to eat properly and skip meals. Fatally, our body reacts to this and within a few hours, we feel absolutely starving and tend to grab whatever product is available, usually the worst from a nutritional point of view. Catherine has clearly identified her problem but does not know how to cope with it. If, like Catherine, you are extra busy and short of time, you might find the following tips handy:

• In order to avoid "forgetting" a meal, program your mobile phone alarm or your computer to remind you that "it's lunchtime".

• When you know you won't have the time to go out to lunch, anticipate and bring as balanced a meal as possible with you in the morning: Pick any of the numerous individually portioned ready-made dishes that are available; some of them are specially designed to avoid weight gain. Just add some raw vegetable to crunch on (cucumber, radishes, tomatoes, etc.) and a fruit and you've got a balanced meal.

• Sandwiches can be an option if you use wholemeal bread and low-fat meats (ham, turkey breast) or fish (salmon, tuna) and if your add some vegetables, slices of tomato or cucumber for instance.

• Fruit are easy to carry around and constitute excellent snacks. Drinking yogurt is also an option unless you prefer individual portions of unsweetened stewed fruit.

• Rather than grabbing a candy bar from the vending machine, remember to bring a balanced cereal bar or some fruit with you in the morning. If you prefer savoury snacks, bring some raw vegetables with a slice of ham or a hard-boiled egg.

• If you don't have the time to go to the shops, get your shopping delivered at home or at your working place. Many ready-made dishes with a high vegetable and pulses content are now available. Soups are also a good way of eating vegetables.

• Don't forget to drink a litre and a half of water per day.

• Don't forget to exercise: use the stairs and walk as often as possible, you'll be fitter and work all the more efficiently .

 

---