Sleep & Oxygen Blog
Pack on the fruits and veggies - Canada’s new Food Guide encourages Canadians on what to eat, which foods to avoid and the importance of cooking and preparing foods at home.
Replacing the outdated idea of food groups and portions, the new guide instead opts for recommended food proportions and combinations, providing Canadians with a more versatile and accommodating reference that can be tailored to the different cultures, preferences and dietary restrictions of today’s Canadians.
Find out what you can do to make healthy food choices and feel better overall, in addition to potentially improving your sleep.
Snacks are small portion foods or drinks that we consume between meals. Many Canadians say eating a balanced diet is challenging because they are on-the-run, so eating healthy snacks, or mini-meals that offer some nutritional value and an energy boost is helpful. Snacks are different than treats, such as cookies, chocolate and chips, which are not nourishing. Here are five helpful ways to approach snacking on a busy day:
1. Plan ahead.
Keep a variety of healthy, ready-to-eat snacks on hand for when you get hungry. Being prepared helps you avoid less-healthy snacks.
2. Be aware of portion sizes.
Instead of snacking from a large bag or box, take a portion and put it on a plate or bowl.
3. Listen to your hunger cues.
Ask yourself: am I truly hungry, or am I eating because I am bored, tired or stressed?
4. Skip distracted snacking!
Avoid munching while looking at a screen, driving or working. You may eat more than you need if you’re distracted from your feeling of fullness.
5. Snack on vegetables!
About half of all Canadians don’t eat enough vegetables or fruit. Snacking on them between meals is a great way to add more.
We asked dietitians about their favourite snacks. Here are 11 great ideas!
*Great to keep in your bag, car or desk drawer
Dieticians Canada put together a fun meal-planner for healthy eating advice. Visit Cook Inspiration for food and nutrition information and delicious recipes. Nutritious snacks, in the right portion sizes, can also be part of a healthy eating plan.
With your Sleep Apnea effectively treated, eating a healthy diet will help you feel energized in time for spring!
Source: www.dietitians.ca