I think I’ve been eating too many bananas in my office. They are a cheap and sugary treat, to replace other sources of sugar and keep my blood sugar levels maintained, but after this week wharfing them down as they started to go bad, especially after a bumpy ride in on my mountain bike, I come to realize moderation is a virtue.
I am a bit concerned about the excessive sugar levels, so I need to rethink my office snacks — preferably something shelf stable without refrigeration, but it must be relatively low calorie but also give me a punch of energy when I’m feeling worn out. Apples and peaches are good, I could look at oranges too. Maybe I should start to bring in carrots, though they lack the sugar punch of bananas. I haven’t done oranges in a while, because for a while it was hard to get them from the store without at least some of them being bad.
Still want to keep bananas at home though for a quick snack, but mostly so I can use them to make oatmeal-bananas pancakes — which I am going to try adding some tofu to boost protein levels next week for more longevity in my stomach. Already have been using Greek yogurt on top, along with chia seeds to help them on a bit. And they are much better then the pancakes made with store bought white-flour, sugar mixes.
That said, bananas aren’t the worse thing ever to eat:
Bananas are low in calories, with an average-sized banana containing about 105 calories.
They are a good source of potassium, with one banana providing roughly 9% of the recommended daily intake.
Bananas are rich in dietary fiber, which helps promote healthy digestion and may aid in weight management.
They are a good source of vitamin C, providing approximately 15% of the recommended daily intake.
Bananas also contain vitamin B6, which is important for brain development and function.
They are naturally fat-free and cholesterol-free.
Bananas are a great source of natural energy due to their high carbohydrate content.
They contain small amounts of essential minerals like magnesium, manganese, and copper.
However, like any food, there can be potential downsides to consider:
Weight Gain: While bananas are nutritious, they also contain natural sugars and carbohydrates. Consuming an excessive amount of bananas, especially in addition to a high-calorie diet, may contribute to weight gain.
Tooth Decay: Bananas are naturally sweet, and the sugar they contain can lead to tooth decay if proper oral hygiene is not maintained. It’s important to brush your teeth after consuming bananas or any other sugary food.
Blood Sugar Levels: Bananas have a moderate glycemic index, meaning they can cause a relatively quick rise in blood sugar levels. Individuals with diabetes or those who need to manage their blood sugar should be mindful of their banana consumption and consult with a healthcare professional.
It’s important to remember that these downsides may not apply to everyone, and bananas can still be a healthy part of a balanced diet. Moderation and individual tolerance should be considered when incorporating any food into your daily eating habits.
It might sound strange to inform dinner guests that the main components of the meal will consist of sweet corn, peppers, onions, zucchini, and chopped apples, accompanied by chicken and brown rice.
English has transitioned from a time of nutritional deficiencies to a focus on protein as the primary element of a meal, encouraging people to concentrate on and consume the most protein during dinner. Nonetheless, nutrition experts emphasize that vegetables should constitute the larger portion of any meal, comprising at least one-third, if not more, of your plate. The combination of fruits and vegetables should encompass half to two-thirds of your meal. Protein sources such as meat and fish, as well as whole grain carbohydrates, should constitute less than a quarter of your meal.
One reason for meat being considered the central element rather than a side dish might be due to the time required for its preparation. Many types of meat demand an extended cooking period involving cutting, seasoning, baking, or grilling. On the contrary, what are often referred to as “sides,” particularly fresh vegetables, necessitate minimal cooking. It seems counterintuitive to make the less labor-intensive portion of the meal the focal point.
However, it might be more logical to reframe the approach to eating around the sides, rather than the conventional centerpiece. Encouraging discussions around healthy plates could lead to a more nutritious diet. For instance, envisioning a meal as sweet corn, peppers, and broccoli with a side of steak or hamburger might be beneficial. This approach could guide individuals to establish appropriate portion sizes and prioritize their meal components. While the term used for the evening meal might seem insignificant, it can profoundly impact one’s perspective.
You are better off if you cook your own food from basic ingredients and don’t buy so called prepared “healthy foods”. Also stay away from recipes and cooking shows – most are bad advice.
Instead it’s better to learn a little bit about what is healthy, tastes good together and experiment. Cooking doesn’t have to have a million rules despite what the television says. Measuring cups really don’t have a place in the kitchen. They belong in the science laboratory.
The older generation died with their recipes not because they were hiding something but because they were the ultimate in experimenters, cooking based on what they had and knew in their head tasted good, not some recipe they had written down in a book.
