So far I shared with you what it takes to protect different organs that require special care or traditional herbs that have proven their miraculous efficiency over thousands of years of use.
The reason I send you these articles is to help you become aware of how your body works and how can you keep yourself healthy for as much as possible. I’m glad every time I see people interested in their health and vitality, because it means that my goal in helping you lead a happy life is one step closer to be accomplished.
Last week I received a message from one of my dear readers, asking me if there is a meal plan I can come up with or a list of foods to maintain proper health. What I’m going to share with you today is my personal meal plan that has helped me stay away from medication for quite a while now.
Because we are all built in a similar way, the needs of our bodies are the same. Both our brains run on glucose and need Omega-3 fatty acids in order to maintain the elasticity of the blood vessels. What differs, though, is the amounts, which are adjusted according to every individual’s particularities (age, sex, weight, environment, etc.)
However, there are a couple of rules that you can follow to enhance your wellbeing, and, luckily, the way you organize your meals is one of them.
First of all, a balanced plan includes five meals a day – breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with two snacks in between. Your body never stops working; therefore it needs a constant intake of energy and nutrients. Skipping any of these on a regular basis will lead to insulin-related issues (and even diabetes), tiredness, a constant sense of hunger, and cravings, among others.
Secondly, a proper meal includes all of the nutrients you need (carbs, protein, fats, vitamins and minerals) in the proportion your body can process them.
Split your plate in two, and fill half of it with vegetables that are not starchy, such as cauliflower, asparagus, beans, broccoli, cabbage, celery, cucumber, tomato, dark leafy greens, eggplant, peppers, onion, sprouts, turnips or carrots. They are rich in most of the vitamins and minerals you need (especially fiber), fill your stomach (so that you don’t feel hungry), and provide a small amounts of calories.
Split the other half once more in two equal parts (each measuring a quarter of the entire plate). Fill one part with whole grains, such as wild or brown rice, oatmeal, whole-wheat pasta, bread or crackers, barley or millet. They will provide you high quality carbs, which don’t stress your pancreas to release high amounts of insulin in a short time (like the simple carbs do). They also provide notable amounts of calories, fueling you with the energy you need.
The last quarter of the plate should be filled with foods that provide protein – meat, eggs, dairy products, soy, fish, and seafood are excellent options. However, it is important not to mix them, and go for the lighter alternatives, which your body can process easier (vegetable source or fish and seafood).
Another tip that will improve your digestion and the absorption of the nutrients is related to hydration. As important as it is, try not to drink any water or tea 30 minutes before and after a meal, as it will slow down the entire process.
For a more detailed plan, please refer to all the previous articles on the subject, as well as to the upcoming ones. Staying healthy is a matter of lifestyle, and requires time, patience, and knowledge. The road is steep, with a lot of obstacles that tempt your taste buds, but your health is in your hands!
Take care of your body, and you will help it take care of you!