Healthy eating habits for 2020

[ReeRi]

I know it’s a cliche but I want to try to get in better shape this coming year. I know what my weak points are so wondered if anyone has any advice.

Breakfast - I usually don’t eat breakfast before I leave the house and end up either buying a drink and croissant from Starbucks, just have a banana or have nothing but then end up needing to snack before lunch. I can’t really face a full breakfast first thing. I need something I can have on the go. I’m tempted to just have two bananas! 🍌 I like porridge but would probably need to have it at work and that seems like a faff.

Snacks - I get hungry throughout the day and so need healthy snacks. I have tried raisins, nuts and fruit but get bored to be honest.

Lunch is ok but I usually buy something and might try to take sandwiches etc to work to save money too. I just don’t like taking lunch to work for some reason!

I would say, I think cutting sugar and starch carbs down would massively settle your appetite.

Eggs on one slice of whole meal for breakfast. Or 2 boiled eggs with one slice of wholemeal cut into soldiers. Could use veg too, such as carrot/asparagus for dipping. Or make a smoothie by liquidising cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt and berry fruits.

Salad with meat / cheese for lunch/ homemade soup. With one slice wholemeal or cracker / crisp read. (Use a soup flask for soup).

Won't need to snack. Try coffee with cream (no sugar). This is very filling.

@veryvery Thank you. I eat too much sugar. I eat chocolate more than once a day and I know it’s not good for me. I don’t really drink tea or coffee as it is so a hot drink tends to be hot chocolate which is no good. Eggs are a good idea. I’ve never tried avocado on toast either so I’m tempted to try that. I’m curious as you whether one slice of bread will fill me up but it’s a good idea as I can’t stomach much first thing!

You can be full on no bread! I find it goes nicely with egg, though. I only have half a slice and eat my lunch at 12. I do a 4 and a half mile run about an hour after my breakfast and am not hungry till lunch. Your body can adapt to burning fat. Then you don't feel ravenously hungry just burn stored fat. It's what your body stores it for? If you eat sugar your body switches to storing fat rather than burning it because sugar breaks down so quickly and has such a high energy load you are unlikely to use it all at once so need to store it. Your body needs low blood sugar to burn fat.

You could try plain coco with unsweetened coconut milk instead of hot chocolate.

Oh and if you are not hungry first thing why not skip breakfast? Just have your food later.

@veryvery Well the thing is if I skip breakfast then I often get hungry before lunch and end up snacking on sweets if I haven’t planned properly. I might try taking some fruit to work to snack on. But I also want to try eggs on toast and maybe avocado on toast in a morning too. Thanks for the suggestions!

How about overnight oats for breakfast? Make them with Skyr for extra protein. Prep the night before and then chuck them in your bag to eat at your desk.

I have been wanting to try @Blankiefan! That’s a really good idea as I don’t need to worry about heating food at work.

I’m a bit excited about this now 😂

Try options for low cal hot chocolate- the orange one is hard to find but it’s lovely!

I am very fussy about a hot chocolate and actually I rarely make them myself so I think I just need to cut them out or save them as a treat no more than once a week

It would be good if I could find a healthy hot drink I like though as it’s nice to have something hot in winter. I might try more fruit teas 🤔

For a hot drink in the evening I often have chopped fresh ginger steeped in hot water for 5 mins, add lemon juice, and sometimes a teaspoon of honey. You can feel the goodness going in!

I’ll try it @cupidsabsolutepsyche Sounds good for winter!

I got this amazing pancake recipe from Joe Wicks, instead of making the pancake I blend it all and put it in a microwaveable dish and bung it in the microwave for 5 minutes. Fills me till lunch!
Half a banana
15g whey protein powder
15g porridge oats
Tbsp cottage cheese
1 egg
Pinch of cinnamon
Delicious and stops me snacking, good luck 😉

What’s it like in the microwave @Mydarlingder? Is it like a porridge consistency?

I find a portion of fruit and some nuts make a great portable and quick breakfast you can have anywhere. They're a good combination of protein and good fats which keep you going without being too heavy. It doesn't sound like your body really wants a big breakfast, so try tuning into it and trying out different options. More protein and less carbs is usually the key to staying fuller for longer 😊

@acornhealthcoaching Yes you’re right. I’d feel like I was forcing myself to eat a breakfast in the morning. Maybe a banana and some nuts 🤔 Thank you!

@BunnytheBlueWhale glad to have been helpful 😁