Forging Healthy Habits

I've learned in over 50 years here on this earth that it's very important to invest in my mental and physical well being.

Whether it be time or money... I try to keep the proper balance in everything I do.

The Harsh Truth About Evening Snacking 🍪

A recent study presented at the European and International Conference on Obesity adds to the growing evidence that when we eat can matter almost as much as what we eat.

Researchers found that the average adult consumes nearly 40% of their daily calories after 6pm, and hunger typically peaks at about 8pm. Unfortunately, that’s long after we’ve probably completed most of our daily physical activities.

Late night meals and snacks also tend to involve less nutritious food choices. We’re more likely to open a bag of chips than to toss a green salad. Or maybe we'll even open that half gallon of your favorite ice cream? Sound familiar?

That means we’re likely going to bed with elevated blood sugar, which leads to storing more calories and increasing our risk of diabetes. Plus, digesting heavy meals can disrupt our sleep, causing an increase in appetite hormones and more unwanted pounds.

Breaking the cycle will help to eat healthier, feel better and have more self confidence.

We can try these suggestions for changing our eating schedule to one that supports our health.

☑️Change bedtime. We sometimes skip breakfast because run out of time? Plan on going to bed earlier to avoid the morning the rush and wake up feeling refreshed.

☑️Drink more water. We lose about one liter of water due to breathing and perspiring each night. Re-hydrating will make us feel more alert and stimulate our appetite.

☑️Go outside get sunlight and Vitamin D. Morning light gives energy too. Make breakfast more appealing by working out outdoors first and eating on the balcony, back deck or screen porch.

☑️Choose delicious foods. Think cereal and milk is boring? Try less conventional options. Eat grilled fish or black bean soup for the first meal of the day. Just takes a little planning.

☑️Make it convenient. A nutritious breakfast can be simple. Heat up leftovers from last night’s dinner to include in an omelet. Prepare the ingredients for a smoothie the night before and store it in your refrigerator.

☑️Stop for lunch. It can be more productive if we leave our desk for lunch. Pack a balanced meal to bring to work. Browse online to find nearby restaurants with healthy takeout menus.

☑️Carry snacks. Keep a cooler in the car filled with healthy treats. Put them in a desk drawer too. Smart choices include nuts, seeds, berries and cut vegetables. Again, take leftovers from the healthy dinner from the night before.

All in all these suggestions aren't exactly rocket science. But developing simple to implement healthy habits can make a huge difference over time. Good luck!

Having the right metabolism boosting regiment in place can help prevent having to suffer through fads like Keto, Atkins, Paleo and so many others. We share these type tips here on Forging Healthy Habits.

Hello ladies... don't ever underestimate the power you have as a confident woman. 🦸‍♀️