Skipping Meals is a bad idea when you are stressed sweet pea!
I’ll keep this brief; if you identify with this mode, you won’t have much time to read. Maybe you have young children, high pressure deadlines, relationship issues or feel like you’re struggling without an obvious cause…it’s a whole load of overwhelm. You feel like you have no time to breathe let alone plan & prep meals and sit down to eat.…Skipping meals and grabbing easy sugary treats is common and completely understandable; but without adding to your load by telling you what ‘wrong’ with this let me share with you the tips I have given to female clients who are in survival mode – they have to eat on the way to work or whilst getting ready, between meetings: it has to be grab and go.
Carbs PLUS Protein.
This will balance your blood sugar which may help avoid that mid-afternoon energy slump and the sugar cravings later in the day as well as reduce your stress levels. These suggestions will give you some extra vitamins, minerals and amino acids which your body has an increased demand for when under stress.
Step one, choose your friendly carbs:
- One piece of fruit – bananas, apples & easy peelers are easy to transport. A handful of blueberries is my fave but put them in a good container…loose ones can get mushed into laptop lead ports in work bags …(true story 😐)
- Oat cakes -Nairn’s come in nice easy little mini packs, I like their gluten free ones. Good to keep in your desk draw too!
Step two, pair with one or two of these protein options:
- Kefir drink (approx. 250ml), particularly easy to consume on the go and good for gut health! Vegan options available, Cocos do some delicious organic kefirs and yogurts…
- Small pot of Full fat plain/Greek yoghurt. Yes, I said FULL FAT. We need good fats! More on that another time
- Small handful of omega seeds – (think pumpkin, sunflower, flax, sesame), these are nice mixed into the yogurt with fruit if time! It might take your taste buds a while to adjust to the nutty flavour but just try them and trust they will serve you well
- 2 boiled eggs – can be shop bought too
- Small handful of unsalted, unroasted nuts – keep a bag in the car/handbag/desk or pick up a snack pot. Nut butter works well on oat and rice cakes. Brazil, almonds & walnuts are my favourites, try and have a variety over the month
- If you eat meat how about a salmon fillet or some chicken (snack pots now available in supermarkets). Not for everyone first thing in the day but maybe try it!
Step three, be kind to yourself, you are allowed time to eat and fuel your body and mind for the day!
Also please drink a glass of water before smashing the coffee 😉 More on that another time.
Please note these are not optimal breakfasts and won’t suit everyone’s needs and dietary requirements including allergies. The plans I give to clients are highly personalised so get in touch with me to find out what would work for you as part of a plan to support a reduction in stress and other symptoms that are dogging you.
Now Go Heart Yourself!
