By Rose Reisman

(NC)-In recent years people have gotten away from bringing their lunch with them to work or school. It's a shame because there are many advantages to boxing your lunch, not the least of which is that it usually costs quite a bit less than buying it every day. The other more obvious advantage is the control it affords you in terms of portion size, fat, sodium, sugar content and also the quality of ingredients that are included in your meal.

Preparing box lunches does not have to be a complicated or time-consuming process. As the national spokesperson for Balanced Living for McCain Foods, I have developed some shortcuts to make it fast and easier.

  • Storing key food staples like canned fruit cups, dried fruit and nuts and different sized plastic baggies together in a designated place will save you assembly time.
  • Start with an insulated lunch box. Have a special one for each family member to avoid someone getting the wrong lunch! Lining them up in assembly line fashion will make filling them a breeze!
  • Stick to the four food groups but make lunches interesting. Try jazzing up a ho hum meat sandwich with a zingy condiment.
  • Go for grains - 100% whole grain bread, that is. Whole grains provide essential nutrients and the fibre we all need more of. They may also help lessen the risk of some diseases.
  • Get the kids involved! Packing lunches together allows you to teach about the four food groups, portion size and what to look for on food labels.
  • Pre-washed, bite-sized vegetables like baby carrots or cherry tomatoes fit into small hands and are ever so dippable in yogurt or salad dressing.

Over the years I've developed a philosophy to achieve a healthy lifestyle - everything in moderation with the key segments of my life balanced with each other. You can do it too. When it comes to food choices and physical activity, not every day will be perfect, but try to get one element right – in this case, preparing a nutritious boxed lunch.

More information is available online at www.livingwell.mccain.ca or www.rosereisman.com.

Rose Reisman, one of Canada's best selling authors and nutrition consultants, is the national spokesperson for Balanced Living on behalf of McCain Foods. This is the first in a series of four articles on how to achieve the Balance of Living Well in today's busy world.

Courtesy of News Canada

< Prev   Next >
Food.ca - It's all about food in Canada!
NEWSLETTERS
Keep yourself updated with our FREE newsletters now!



Share |

 

(NC)—As the warmer weather sets in, so does our appetite for lighter fare and an increased energy level. Spring clean your health regime by treating yourself to wholesome lunch options and an active new lifestyle to get yourself back on track for the summer months. Here are three ways to get you started.
1. Re–introduce activity: After months of using the “it's cold out” excuse for not getting your 45 minutes a day, it is time to get back into the swing of things. Using your lunch break in the middle of the day to enjoy a brisk walk is a great way to get moving again.
Read more...

 

Enhance your health with freshly grown herbs
(NC)—Did you know that one tablespoon of fresh oregano contains the same amount of antioxidants as a medium sized apple?
We know that antioxidants in our bodies are essential to good health. Many fruits and vegetables provide them, but research shows that fresh oregano is at the top of the list in antioxidant activity. Adding fresh herbs to your diet is an easy way to include significant amounts of antioxidants and increase the health value of a meal without adding extra calories–and you can easily grow them right in your own backyard garden or in containers on your patio or balcony.
Read more...

 

Pare down your portions to trim down your waistline
(NC)—We live in a world where “mega, super and grande” sizes have become the norm. Many people use these plus–sized portions to validate their binge–eating habits. Some use over–consumption as a way to comfort emotional distress, others take the “see food” diet approach and always finish what's on their plate.
Here are a few tips I like to follow to ensure I am eating the proper portions.
Read more...

Food.ca-C1