By Emily McLaughlin
Life has been a little hectic for all of us lately, but as we settle into our routines, get class schedules figured out and find time for social interaction, we can’t forget to eat healthy. When we get busier, we tend to look for easy-to-grab snacks, and quick meals to satisfy our hunger–but remember that those meals can be healthy.
I spent the summer in Amherst, where I learned a number of cooking and eating tips from some amazingly earthy, crunchy and healthy individuals. I tried a lot of new foods that I wouldn’t have tried on my own and discovered versatile and delicious foods that are easy to grab-and-go and easy to incorporate into meals.
In this segment of Stay Healthy, Stay Happy, I am going to share my discoveries and foodie obsessions with you all. I decided it would be fun to do so in alphabetical order–so one post every day with my favorites. If you have some yummy foods you can think of… post a comment! Also, if I am slacking and skipping days… yell at me. We are all in this healthy, happy thing together.
Apples :
We have all heard that eating “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” but what about taking hunger pains away?
A medium apple has 60-100 calories, 5g of fiber and virtually no fat and no sodium. The fiber component of the apple makes the snack satisfying and filling. Fiber is part of plant-based foods, formed by complex sugars which our bodies can’t digest. So why is it so great? Fiber not only makes us feel full sooner, but it keeps us feeling full longer. It stays in our stomach longer than other substances we eat, slowing down our rate of digestion. Fiber also moves fat through our digestive system faster so that less of it is absorbed.
In terms of health, apples’ fiber, pectin, antioxidants and other compounds can lower bad cholesterol and raise good cholesterol. This might help lower your risk for disease and certain cancers.
Always pack an apple to go. If you need a little bit more than just an apple, pack a serving of peanut butter or almonds to go along with it.
Happy snacking!
B is for bananas. Potassium found in bananas is great for sing muscle soreness and cramps. In addition to aiding in smooth muscle contraction, potassium is crucial to heart function and normal digestive function. If you are looking for something to grab post-workout, eat a banana or put one in your smoothies. Also, don’t wait more than one hour to eat after a workout.
