What's all this talk of Omega-3s and where can you get yourself some? Omega-3 fatty acids are "good fats" found in fatty fish and some plant foods like walnuts and flaxseeds, canola oil and soybean oil. These fats have the advantage over saturated fats, as they may:
- help in weight management / weight loss
- benefit brain health -- by possibly protecting the memory and preventing Alzheimer's disease
- play a role in lowering blood pressure and triglycerides in the bloodstream -- thereby decreasing the risk for heart disease
Avocados are filled with healthy unsaturated fats, fiber, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin and beta carotene. To take advantage of all this goodness, make some guacamole this weekend. This recipe for Chunky Guacamole, from Tyler Florence and the Food Network, is a great base; however, you can also consider the chiles and cilantro as optional and omit them, just as you might also consider adding a diced small tomato, as well as cumin, smoked spanish paprika and/or cayenne.
Image: FoodNetwork.com
When your tummy is grumbling at 3PM the last thing you care about is seeking out that perfect healthy snack; you just need something, preferably yummy...and fast! To avoid pigging out on vending machine snacks or scavenging leftover brownies from an earlier meeting, come prepared! On your next grocery shopping trip, pick up a few healthy items that are easy to transport and ready-to-eat. Fruits, veggies & nuts are perfect examples: apples, clementines, bananas, grapes, baby carrots, walnuts, almonds. Stash these items in a drawer or on your desk (as a constant reminder) so you have healthy, tasty items at the ready the next time you crave a snack. Bonus points for taking all your snacks in on Monday so you're ready for the entire week on Day 1.
Just remember: Nuts may boost heart, brain & immune health thanks to their mono- & poly-unsaturated fats, fiber, antioxidants, vitamins & minerals, but it's easy to go overboard when snacking on them. Limit yourself to one serving (~1 oz. or 1/3 cup). Walnuts = ~14 shelled walnuts halves; Almonds = ~20-24 shelled whole almonds.
Image: girl.com.au
