Monday, July 23, 2007

Tips For a Club Med Lifestyle--wherever you G.O.


Whether you are vacationing at Club Med or starting the Club Med Diet at home, our Corporate Chef provides some beginner's tips to help you navigate restaurants and home prepared meals.

Remove the unhealthy fat from your diet
It’s easier than you think. We are creatures of habit, so create healthy habits! Healthy fat is important for normal body function and adds taste and texture to foods. A small amount of healthy fat at every meal helps you feel satisfied longer and absorb certain vitamins (Vitamins A, D, E and K make up the fat soluble vitamins). But remember, keep the portions under control.


Examples of foods with healthy fats:
Olive, peanut and canola oils
Avocados and most nuts
Safflower, corn, sunflower, canola, soy and cottonseed oils
Salmon, mackerel and herring
Flaxseeds, flax oil

Unhealthy fats are most commonly found in animal products (red meat, butter, whole milk). You should limit your intake of unhealthy fats. Eat them in small portions and on a limited basis. For more indepth information on healthy and unhealthy fats, go to the Mayo Clinic Website:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/fat/NU00262

Go easy on the salt
Salt makes your body retain water. From puffy eyes, to bloated bellies, salt can make you feel heavy. Season with pepper or other spices instead.

Eat 5 mini meals during the day instead of 3 large ones
Snack sensibly. The consistent, moderate food intake will help keep your metabolism up and
prevent you from getting too hungry. If you love a large dinner or --then make the time to take it over several hours and several small courses.

Keep your portions small
This will permit you to maintain a well-balanced and varied diet.

Add color
It’s important to have colorful vegetables at every meal: red, yellow, orange, purple, and of course green.

Drink lots of water every day (of course!) and add a few glasses of unsweetened green tea

Be active
Activity is the most important compliment to a healthy eating. In other posts, you will see the gamit of activities available to keep you fit and entertained.

Discipline, self control, and will power
Although our modern culture wants to pop a pill for everything--a healthy lifestyle requires discipline to form lasting, healthy habits. If you are having difficulty forging new habits, start a food and activity diary. Note your moods in relation to food and post activities. Keep on online food journal at http://www.calorie-count.com