Question from Rachelle Berkman: There was an article in the Post this weekend about the calorie content in fast food (including Starbucks, Cosi, etc.). If even this isnt healthy then what can we choose for lunch?! I cant make my lunch every day!
Answer from Energy Kitchen: Have you ever tried Energy Kitchen? Our tasty meals are made Healthfully and are also portion controlled! You can see the nutrition information for all of our items <a href="http://www.energykitchen.com"> on our website</a>.
Answer from Ken Moody: Rachelle, I am an exercise instructor/trainer who is also an insulin dependent diabetic, who does not cook, EVER! These days, we all have sooooo many options and choices for healthy, fast fare that it sometimes makes my head spin. I find, with a bit of creativity, I can stay on my healthy eating plan with no problem whatsoever!!! Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joes all have deli's and salad bars for quick meals. Just choose wisely. Because even the healthiest LOOKING salad can become full of all the stuff we need to avoid on a regular basis. Sandwich bars are all over the place these days and now we can actually choose breads beyond the white, rye, and wheat that we were stuck with in the past. Choose multigrain breads, lean meats, harder cheeses (lower in fat than softer cheeses) and lighter dressings. Grocery stores sell cut up fruits in plastic containers, and that with some lo-fat yogurt is way satisfying. Au Bon Pain does a multi grain baguette for their sandwiches that is really good. (Sometimes, in the Winter months, I'll put a couple packages of instant oatmeal in my backpack and a bowl and spoon from home. Because a lot of water coolers have a setting to create hot water! And that'll be my lunch with a few peices of fruit on the side!!! DEELISH!) Now, I've looked for all of these things because I HAVE to to keep my blood sugar at safe levels. But you can apply what I've learned and have great, fast meals that require no cooking too. As a rule of thumb, try to avoid white pasta, white bread, white sugar, white rice. They're really just simple carbs disquised as real food and convert to sugar real fast. (And I'd just avoid Starbucks altogether. It's "simple carb city" in there! I only go to places like that when I know I'm just out for a high calorie, or high fat treat!)