Tiredness can cause you to overeat and it is a trap that is easy to fall into when you are very busy. You are tired, but you have no time to rest so you have a chocolate bar or a cup of coffee to keep you going. Having been through a busy, stressful time myself I noticed I was snacking more and relying on coffee, but I finally decided to make time for myself and have a swim every evening. This made me feel more relaxed, I slept better, and I took hold of my eating habits. I am truly amazed at how much better I feel.
It is better to give yourself time to reflect on life and make time to relax, exercise, and plan some healthy eating. Doing this gives you more energy and puts you in control.
Following a healthy diet is essential if you lead such a busy life. It will also help stabilize your mood and concentration. Always start your day with some exercise, as this pumps the blood around the body and prepares you for the day ahead. Give your body a power breakfast, otherwise it is lacking in fuel.
Take a bag of fruit with you to work and don’t buy food when you are there. Don’t forget that carbohydrates give you energy, so do not cut down on them too much. If you want to lose weight, pack a good, healthy lunchbox with a whole meal sandwich, low-fat yoghurt and fresh fruit. Have a banana mid-afternoon. Those who don’t have a proper breakfast or lunch are the ones that guzzle biscuits and cakes mid-afternoon.
Drink plenty of pure water as lack of water makes you feel lethargic.
Remember that you can only do your best — you can’t be perfect all of the time.
Recipe of the Week
Dum Ke Kabab
Serves 6
Ingredients
18 blanched almonds, roughly chopped
3 tbsp channa dhal
1 1/2 tbsp sunflower seeds
3 dried red chilies, chopped
3 tbsp white poppy seeds
900g lean minced lamb
1 1/2 tbsp ginger puree
1 1/2 tbsp garlic puree
3/4 tsp ground turmeric
1 1/2 tsp paprika
1 1/2 tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
3 tbsp chopped fresh coriander
1 1/2 tsp garam masala
Salt to taste
Method
Pre-heat small heavy pan over medium heat. When hot, turn the heat down to low and add almonds. Stir for 1 minute and add channa dhal, sunflower seeds, and chilies (in that order). Stir and roast for 1 minute, then add poppy seeds. Roast for a further minute, stirring, and remove from the heat. Do not allow poppy seeds to darken. Transfer ingredients to a plate to prevent roasting further. Allow to cool, then grind finely in a spice mill. Don’t worry if almonds are not absolutely fine. Put mince in a large mixing bowl and add the ground mixture along with all remaining ingredients. Mix thoroughly and knead it for 1-2 minutes. Cover and set aside for 30 minutes. Pre-heat the oven to 190ºC. Spread spiced mince in an ovenproof dish. Using the back of a metal spoon, tidy up the edges by pushing them inwards so you have a neat, oblong shape. Smoothen the top with the spoon. Bake in the centre of the oven for 30 minutes. Allow to rest for 3-4 minutes, then cut into squares. Transfer the kebabs to a serving dish and strain the cooking juices over them.
Ask Alva
I always thought that starchy food was responsible for me putting on weight, but you always recommend including starches in our diets. Can you tell me why? Aslam
Starchy foods should make up about a third of the food we eat. So if you want to eat healthy try to think about the proportions of the different foods you eat in a day. They are a good source of energy and the main source of a range of nutrients in our diet. As well as starch, these foods contain fiber, calcium, iron and B vitamins. Some people believe starchy foods are fattening, but they contain less than half the calories of fat. You just need to watch out for the added fats used for cooking and serving, because this is what increases the calorie content. Alva