Page 56 - Harnett Life Spring 2019

FUEL UP for a Busy Day

FAMILY FEATURES
hile some may say being
busy is good, it’s not always
good for a healthy lifestyle.
WWith less time to prep, the
thought of planning nutritious meals and
snacks may feel overwhelming, but with
simple changes, you can power through
your hectic schedule.
This full menu of quick and easy
recipes is part of the Atkins low-
carb lifestyle, a long-term, healthy
eating approach focused on high-fiber
carbohydrates, optimal protein and
healthy fats. The plan also aims to
reduce levels of refined carbohydrates,
added sugars and the “hidden sugar
effect” – when carbohydrates convert to
sugar when digested. You don’t see the
sugar, but your body does.
Consider these tips from Colette
Heimowitz, author of “Atkins: Eat Right,
Not Less” and vice president of nutrition
and education at Atkins.

Fill up with fiber. Fiber-rich foods,
such as vegetables, nuts and seeds, low-
glycemic fruits and whole unrefined
grains, are considered carbohydrates but
they don’t raise your blood sugar the
way processed carbs do. Fiber slows the
entry of glucose into your bloodstream
so you don’t experience the insulin
spikes that encourage your body to
produce and store body fat. Additionally,
fiber can help you feel full longer. If
possible, try to eat 25-35 grams of fiber
each day.

Start the day with breakfast. Start your
mornings with a hearty breakfast like
an Almond Butter Smoothie Bowl. The
nutritious combo of protein and healthy
fats can set you up for a productive
day and prevent mid-morning donut or
bagel cravings. For another quick option
that takes just 10 minutes, a Power
Mug Muffin with Cinnamon Butter can
provide the fuel you need to start your
day right.
Portobello Pizza
Snack smart. If you’re in the midst Portobello Pizza Heat oven to 375 F.
of a traffic-clogged commute, on-the- Active time: 10 minutes Line baking sheet with parchment
go snacks can be an ideal solution Total time: 40 minutes paper. Coat with olive oil spray.
for the whole family. For a fun, tasty Serves: 4 Using spoon, scrape out dark gills
option, try these Portobello Pizzas, full from mushrooms; discard gills.
Place mushrooms stem-side up
of nutrients and fiber, or these Tuna- Olive oil spray and top each with 2 tablespoons
Stuffed Deviled Eggs that can help 4 large Portobello mushrooms, stems removed sauce. Sprinkle each with 2
round out lunch at work. 1/2 cup low-sugar marinara sauce tablespoons mozzarella cheese and
1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese four slices pepperoni or chorizo.
Find more recipes to kickstart a 16 slices pepperoni sausage or 1 chorizo link, Bake 20-25 minutes, until cheese
nutritious eating plan at Atkins.com. thinly sliced is bubbly and mushrooms are soft.