­­­­Meaningful Makeovers Part III - Toni eats for her life

Rob and Toni each received dietary advice based on their unique nutritional needs, but a few common themes emerged: choosing low-glycemic carbs, eating smaller meals more frequently throughout the day, and ensuring adequate protein intake.

Until I started this makeover, I was convinced I had a perfectly healthy diet, but I’ve since learned a lot about what and how to eat. This month I met with Sally Errey, a registered nutritional consulting practitioner. Sally’s job in this makeover is to help me eat better.

I first completed an evaluation form downloaded from her website, stayingalivecookbook.com, and faxed it to a local Vancouver number so that Sally could understand my lifestyle and dietary habits. My consultation was conducted over the phone, as Sally is presently in Tasmania.

A Conspiracy of Health

Sally was really down-to-earth, and she helped me understand all the dietary changes she felt I needed to make to improve my well-being. First, a healthy breakfast is a really important way to start the day, and she suggested I eat sprouted-grain bread with almond butter (do you sense the conspiracy between Sally and Dr. Sciortino?) or tahini (sesame butter) or hummus. When I mentioned the fat-free processed cheese-product slices I had enjoyed on my white-bread bagels, I could feel the shudder down the phone line. I will no longer indulge!

Take a Break

Sally also helped me reappraise my habit of not taking breaks and meals at appropriate times; being “too busy” has been detrimental to my health. She advised me to take “reverse smoke breaks"—no one questions smokers when they take breaks. We should all take 10- to 15-minute breaks mid-morning and afternoon to have a snack (a few almonds, some trail mix, or a piece of fruit) and a cup of tea or some water, take a short walk, and do some deep breathing.

Smart Meal Choices

Homemade soups with plenty of vegetables, beans, chickpeas, and a little barley are an ideal lunch. Bright green leafy salads and grain salads make good alternatives to create variety. Dinner should include plenty of whole grains, such as wild or brown rice, fish or chicken for protein, steamed vegetables, and another salad, with fruit for dessert.

Fluids are very important to optimal health, and I do not drink enough. I’ve been advised to drink more water, green tea (which I’m still struggling with), rooibos tea (which is very pleasant), and black tea (which I enjoy with a little honey and a slice of lemon).

I am beginning to feel that a team is working together to help me successfully achieve a new, healthy lifestyle.