Having food as your comfort zone is causing chaos in your life and is stopping you from moving forward. Food can only feed your body; it can never feed your soul or give you a happier life. You need to set yourself free from this dependency. Only then can you move forward in life.
Start by taking simple steps and with each little step or goal achieved you are moving forwards, developing self esteem and greater self-respect. No one else can give you this — you have to give it to yourself.
The next step is to ask yourself if you would like to make some changes — start with small steps towards your ultimate goal. Making changes involves taking risks, but it is better than hiding in your comfort zone. It is better to have tried than never to have tried at all. Always pat yourself on the back and congratulate yourself for trying something new.
Start today — don’t wait for weight loss before you start to make changes — because when you start to make changes you will find weight loss even easier. Learn to develop healthy eating habits by sending for my Guide at [email protected].
Join Me in My Weekly Task
Cut down on fat in your diet.
Why? Too much fat increases the risk of heart disease by causing cholesterol to build up in the arteries. Diets high in fat also increase the risk of some cancers. Fat has 9 calories per gram.
How? Cut out the use of lard and other hard fats in cooking. Use vegetable oil instead. Try to eat bread without spread. Vegetables do not need butter to taste good. Do not add oil to rice or pasta. Do not fry food — grill, bake, or poach instead.
Recipe of the Week
Basic Soft Chicken Tacos
Serves 6
Ingredients
600 g skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch strips
1 tbs. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
2 limes
12 medium-sized flour tortillas
salsa
guacamole
diced tomatoes
shredded lettuce
Method
Brush olive oil all over the chicken strips and then sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. Place a skillet over high heat and lightly coat with oil. Cook chicken about 2 to 4 minutes per side, until cooked through and place on cutting board to rest for about 5 minutes. Cut limes in half and release the juices over the cooked chicken. Cut chicken into thin slices across the grain and then cut each slice into bite-sized pieces for bringing to the table. Warm the flour tortillas by dipping first in water and then placing in a dry pan over low heat. Assemble the tacos at the table with salsa, guacamole, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce.
Ask Alva
I have a 2-year-old baby boy and I would like to know what to give him to make him strong and healthy with good bones. He recently fractured his leg below the knee. How can I get him to have the right amount of calcium, as he is a fussy eater? He is only 11 kilos at 2 years, but he is growing. Mary McFee
Your baby should have whole milk up until the age of 3 years, and then he can have semi-skimmed milk. He can also have whole milk yoghurts and cheeses as he will need a higher fat level than adults for energy. He will also need plenty of Vitamins — A, D, E & K. The calcium will also be beneficial for strong bones. Most of all he needs to be encouraged to eat a wide variety of food — young children are much more willing to try new foods than they are when they reach school age. Young children need a good breakfast as they need to provide for lots of energy for their day. Try egg on toasted bread and diluted fresh fruit juice and milky porridge. Sodium, found in salt, is important for the body as it regulates the body’s fluid balance - most people eat too much salt — it is found in so many foods that we eat. I would not add salt or sugar to your child’s food. If you are worried about your child’s diet, I would recommend that you talk to a paediatrician about it. Alva
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