It’s the end of your work day; you’re tired and hungry. On your way home you stop at a grocery store to pick up something for dinner. Everywhere you look, it seems like the food is luring you, baiting you… especially the unhealthy foods. Once hunger hits, it can’t be reversed until you eat. The beast must be satisfied. Here are four tips to help you make good food choices.

1. Understand the glycemic index

The glycemic index is a value assigned to a food based on how quickly your body can convert the food into usable energy, or glucose. Simple carbohydrates (think refined sugar or bread) will fall on the high end of the glycemic index, so go for foods that are less transformed, and high in fibre and/or protein: raw veggies, nuts, eggs. Low- glycemic foods will stabilize your energy level and hunger for a longer period than highglycemic foods

2. Start your day right

As you’ve probably heard, breakfast is very important. When you skip breakfast, you’re almost asking for a one-way ticket to hangry-town. So, do yourself a favour, wake-up 20 minutes earlier and start your day with a simple, nutritious and lowglycemic breakfast option such as a vegetable omelet.

3. Protein is anti-hangry

Protein helps keep you feeling fuller for longer. As a result, it’s a great idea to examine what kind of meals and snacks you normally eat. If you find that your meals are short on – or completely devoid of – protein, get creative. And remember that meat is not the only source of protein. Nuts, eggs, avocados, quinoa, tofu and legumes are all good sources of protein.

4. Water

What’s the most important “food’’ for healthy cells? Water! Water is also essential for keeping your energy at an optimal level. For an adult woman, aim for 1.5 to 2 litres per day. For an adult man, 2 to 2.5 litres.

Have a great healthy summer

Jessica and Bruno

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