Why You Need To Ditch the Crisps...

Why You Need To Ditch the Crisps

I know you are more interested in Christmas shopping than healthy eating just now, but I'm going to nag you anyway.

Do you pick up a packet of ready salted on your way into the office? Does the deli man come round with the big basket each morning and tempt you with some salt'n vinegar with your egg and cress on wholemeal? 

 

Smart move or not?   Not!   You are actually planning on filling yourself up and boosting your energy with a

cocktail of trans-fats, salt, in all probability some monosodium glutamate (MSG), sugar and interesting additives.

Trans-fat is an artery-clogging fat formed when vegetable oils are hydrogenated.  This converts a relatively healthy, unsaturated liquid fat into a solid one giving it a longer shelf life amongst other things (appealing to food manufacturers).  This ‘shortening’ provides the crispy texture.

 

Trans fat increases levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol while lowering levels of ‘good’ cholesterol, as well as providing a source of free radicals.  Excess salt is associated with raised blood pressure and fluid retention.  We also have the possibility of sugar (addictive, immune depressing), MSG (associated with a variety of symptoms from headaches to insomnia) and additives (where do we start?)   The carbohydrate content is quickly absorbed and the energy given quickly lost ….. is this really the type of snack you are looking for?

For a healthy, longer lasting energy boost try a 1 ounce mixture of natural nuts and seeds such as almonds, cashews, walnuts, pecans, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, along with one or two pieces of dried fruit such as apricots, dates or figs. The protein, fibre and essential fats found in the nuts take longer to absorb and digest than fast-burning carbohydrate snacks, giving you fuel to burn.   The fruit will also provide you with some energy boosting carbohydrate and the whole mixture provides a cocktail of minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that will feed your body systems rather than robbing valuable nutrients.   You will avoid any cholesterol and your hunger will be much more effectively satisfied.

 

Try it and see for yourself!