The Benefits of Simple, Fresh Meals
I don’t know why, but at the beginning of my weight loss, I thought I would be happy to eat Greek yogurt every day for every meal forever. But, low and behold, I need variety. In food. At work. In fitness. In my garden. In my life in general.
Before COVID, I read a magazine article while sitting in the hair chair.
The article I read touched this interesting topic. That whereas variety was important, studies showed that too much variety at each individual meal time actually encouraged OVER EATING.
Hmmmmm......
My internal alert system always perks up at the word "over eating", so let's think it through.
We, you and I, both go out for frozen yogurt.
We both fill our cups with 1 1/2 cups of No Sugar Added Vanilla.
I top mine with blueberries. A righteous (as some would say) choice.
You top yours with blueberries, strawberries, walnuts, coconut flakes, and dark chocolate chips. A righteous choice as well in my book.
YOU, apparently, are now more likely to overeat. Because...for the obvious reason. Yours is more yummy.
The thinking is that the more textures and tastes you have in a particular meal, the more excited your brain and taste buds are too eat it, and the less likely you are to feel satiated. The article did note the exception: vegetables and spices.
Interesting.
Variety over the course of time, but individual meals kept simple.
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Simple meals is one way I brought my family along with me in this healthier is better journey. And it’s been my commitment to get back to it this year.
We’ve gone from Fried Chicken, Corn, Marconi and Cheese, Mashed Potatoes and Gravy, Biscuits and a obligatory side salad on a Monday night to a simple Chicken and Asparagus on the grill with Roasted Sweet Potatoes.
Easier. Fresher. Faster.
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These days, fried chicken with homemade macaroni and cheese is called a "special meal."
Our every day meals are simple -- and variety is offered over the course of a week.
I save money, and time, and my family seems just as happy!
Living Better,
Shanna