I forgot my lunch!!

After preaching yesterday about being prepared for battle, I failed to remember one of my key weapons, a well thought out meal. I was in such a rush this morning that I forgot to get my carefully planned lunch out of the fridge. Luckily I had put my snacks in my bag the night before. What am I do to? First, I must decide where I am going to eat. Almost everything is closed where I work and I can't leave campus because that would take far too long. I must make a decision based upon which dining facility has the healthiest choices. I decided upon the Asian restaurant. Next I must pick something that is relatively healthy. I get online and look at the menu and nutritional information. This is key!!! As we learned the other day reading labels before consumption is a better idea than after you have wolfed down some thing disguised as healthy when in fact it isn't. I decided on a dish that was reasonably healthy. My personal trainer Alexis, who is also a colleague, forgot her lunch too. I am not feeling so bad now!! So both of us bundled up and braved the cold weather to get our lunch. We both got chow mien with steamed veggies; I also got tofu. I am feeling pretty good about things now. If Alexis is eating what I am eating, then I am in good shape.
So, if you find your self lunch-less, it is best to come up with a plan rather than making mindless decisions because the person behind you in line is getting restless. Restaurants generally post nutritional information online. The fat, sodium and sugar content are always good indicators of how healthy something is. Restaurants are also starting to post which items are the more healthier options and are generally a safe bet. One thing to note about restaurants, Asian ones especially, is the use of MSG. MSG is an additive that makes food taste better. Sounds good right? No so good for your brain though. MSG stimulates the neurons in your brain to the point of over excitement. This can lead to the neurons dying. And excess consumption can even lead to death. This takes place after many years of eating MSG laden foods.
Hopefully we have all learnt from my mistakes this week. Read labels and don't forget your lunch!

What Kate Ate - 12/17/09
Tangerine
Oatmeal
Banana
Spinach, black beans, corn bread, and salmon cakes
Salad with avocado and cucumber, steamed broccoli, and baked potato with plain Greek yogurt and salsa