Whelehans pharmacys aisling murray why its necessary to eat lunch

Having a nutritious lunch is important to refuel as it can be a busy morning since breakfast and lunch is needed to increase your blood sugars when concentration is decreasing. It’s recommended you have a small healthy snack in-between breakfast and lunch and in between lunch and dinner.

The most ideal time to have lunch is usually 4-5 hours after breakfast and this can renew your energy keeping you more alert for the next few hours. Your metabolism is kept going by eating regularly; going too long without eating in-between large meals actually makes your metabolism sluggish.

Not eating lunch?

If you are trying to lose weight, skipping lunch or any other meal is not advisable and it rarely results in weight loss. You are not cutting calories in the long run as your appetite will increase later in the day; this causes you to binge on foods which are not nutritionally balanced.

Some foods are more beneficial to eat during lunch such as complex carbohydrates (whole grain bread, vegetables) along with lean protein (fish, chicken, turkey). These food types will ensure you sustain the energy from that meal over a longer period of time. To get the healthiest lunch, make sure to include foods such as vegetables, grains, dairy, fruits and protein.

Eating the right foods

Lunch is so important because it offers you the fuel you need to be more dynamic in work, school, college and at home before you wind down at the end of the day. Adequate nutrition will increase your productivity throughout the day so always make sure you don’t miss a meal and that you get the right foods in. No matter how busy you are make sure to stop and eat!

Fish – This is your well known brain food as its rich in omega – 3 fatty acids; these essential fats are vital for development and functioning of the brain. Eating oily fish will help with concentration throughout the day and make you feel more alert.

Nuts and seeds –brilliant foods to include in a healthy diet as they contain fibre, potassium, vitamin B6, magnesium and vitamin E, providing added protection against cardiovascular disease. Although they contain healthy monounsaturated fats, by eating the right portion of nuts and seeds (one handful a day) you can lose weight and satisfy your appetite.

Nuts and seeds are also great at stabilising your blood sugar levels and if eaten regularly can help lower your cholesterol and triglycerides and reduce the risk of Type 2 Diabetes.

Whole grains –provide dietary fibre, B vitamins, antioxidants like vitamin E and trace minerals such as Iron, copper, magnesium and zinc. Eating whole grains is known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases like Type 2 Diabetes, some cancers and they are ideal for keeping your weight under control. Whole-grains also help to keep your bowel regular and improve overall bowel health.

Weekly weigh in clinic

Currently I am offering a weight loss program where your BMI and waist measurement is calculated and I check your weight weekly. You get tips and motivation weekly to help you lose weight all at a great weekly rate of €10 per week. Drop into the pharmacy for more details regarding this program or call Aisling at 044 9334591.

 

Whelehans Nutrition Service

Whelehans nutritional service is a private one to one advice service with our nutritionist Aisling Murray. Aisling’s areas of interest include weight loss management, nutrition education and food intolerance. Our nutrition service offers you the chance to change your life in a positive way by focusing on your overall wellbeing as well as the chance to follow up on your progress.

Aisling Murray has a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and offers a one to one specialist nutrition service at Whelehans Pharmacy. Call Whelehans at 04493 34591 for an appointment