In my last blog post I spoke to you about how I’ve changed what I eat for breakfast and lunch, so now it’s time to talk about the main meal of the day. Like I said previously, whatever time you eat your main meal doesn’t matter but what does count is what you eat and the balance that it is important to achieve. I try and ensure the 2/3rds of my meal is made of protein and vegetables and the remaining third of complex carbohydrates. These are found in many plant foods, including whole grains, vegetables (sweet potatoes or peas for example), beans, and pulses. They increase your blood sugar more slowly because they contain fibre and other complex starches that take longer for your body to digest.
I have to admit to many disasters along the way to finding what works for me and what I like or don’t like. There was a night that shall forever be known in my house as ‘noodlegate’ after my immense toddler tantrum when I tried no-carb noodles. To say they tasted like rubber would imply that I have actually tasted rubber but suffice to say they were absolutely awful and never again. Cutting down on carbohydrates has been for me, as I’ve said previously, the hardest part. I now rarely have pasta, have only eaten one pizza in a year, and potatoes are few and far between. I’ve learned to ‘like’ quinoa as long as I can mix it with tomatoes and garlic, and I have found that Marks and Spencer lentil noodles are a lifesaver! Most supermarkets sell versions of quinoa and wild rice so it’s worth taking a look wherever you shop. Sweet potatoes are lower in carbs than regular potatoes but are still surprisingly high so one to be careful about.
For the protein element then I tend to stick to basics such as poached salmon or cod, chicken or turkey. Most meat substitutes such as Quorn are ok but many can contain more fat to make up for the flavour so again, it’s always worth checking the labels. Red meat can be high in saturated fat so it’s best to keep to a minimum, but I do love a low-fat burger (3 or 5% fat). This eaten with a @weareheylo bagel is delicious!
Vegetables can be piled up, but again it’s worth checking to make sure as many can be higher in carbs than you think.
I can promise you that I am not paid in any way to advertise this, but I am going to wholeheartedly recommend a book that was my saviour when I started this process:
Carbs & Cals Carb & Calorie Counter: Count Your Carbs & Calories by Chris Cheyette and Yello Balolia
It’s an easy guide to counting carbs and what makes it so useful is the pictures that show you portion sizes (warning – this may freak you out initially!)
Again, I must stress that I am not a nutritionist, or a dietician and these comments are based on my own experiences. Please consult with a medical practitioner before you embark on any weight loss programme
Well Into Fashion 
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