Photo credit: www.cnbc.com
Your relationship with food should be void of stress, according to registered dietitian and author Kylie Sakaida.
To achieve stress-free eating, Sakaida emphasizes the importance of simplifying meal planning and cooking processes. She encourages individuals to let go of anxiety surrounding the notion of making “perfect food choices,” which can often lead to unnecessary pressure.
Adopting a stress-free eating approach can be as straightforward as boosting the fiber and hydration levels in one’s diet or utilizing canned and frozen foods to minimize lengthy meal prep times. She stresses that the pursuit of perfection in dietary choices is not the ideal mindset.
“A single meal isn’t going to derail your journey toward healthier eating. It’s essential to avoid the stress of needing to be perfect all the time,” Sakaida advises. (As always, consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary guidance.)
Sakaida’s new cookbook, “So Easy So Good,” features recipes geared towards balanced nutrition. Below are some insights into her meal structure.
Insights into a dietitian’s daily meals for stress-free eating
“My diet is quite diverse; I make it a point to include a combination of both animal and plant-based proteins. Balancing my meals is important,” Sakaida shares.
She defines a balanced meal as comprising half a plate of vegetables, one-fourth protein, and one-fourth starch.
“Naturally, this perfect balance isn’t always attainable for every meal, as it wouldn’t be practical for my lifestyle,” she notes. “I prioritize convenience, especially for breakfast and lunch.”
Here’s a glimpse into a typical day of meals for Sakaida:
Breakfast: Savory oatmeal or a pre-made smoothie
Lunch: Mason-jar noodles, salads, or wraps
Snacks: Foods rich in fiber and healthy fats, such as popcorn, roasted chickpeas, carrot sticks with cottage cheese dip, or apple slices with peanut butter
Dinner: A protein source like tofu, chicken, beef, or fish served with white or brown rice and assorted vegetables
Advance meal planning plays a crucial role in Sakaida’s approach, making her food choices easier and more intuitive. She observes that many individuals feel overwhelmed when the need to decide on meals arises at the last minute.
“I encourage others to collect recipes and jot down the necessary ingredients as if preparing for grocery shopping,” she explains.
“Moreover, feel free to substitute similar ingredients across recipes. If one dish requires both spinach and kale, and another uses just kale, go ahead and purchase only the kale to minimize waste and costs,” she advises.
Source
www.cnbc.com