Healthy Eating

[Plhall19]

I am trying to have a more alkiline type diet. It is difficult for me. I grew up eating mainly hambugers, chicken, and luncheon meats, soda, white bread and potatoes. I have switched my diet gradually over the years to include healthier foods, adding salads, more greens, and other types of veggies. I crave hambugers almost all the time. I try to buy grass feed, lean beef now. When I am tired and don't feel like cooking, fast food looks really good to me! What can I do to help stop these cravings?

[Wilburbudgirl]

Do you still eat a lot of sugary foods/ sugar?

[Plhall19 in reply to Wilburbudgirl]

I do not. I have an occasional sweet, if it is around. I do enjoy fruits and will indulge in those on a regular basis.

[Activity2004 Administrator in reply to Plhall19]

What about Vegitarian burgers that taste like the real thing, but isn't? They've got protein from the soy and they have different brands for you to pick from at most of the stores.

[BadHare in reply to Activity2004]

Vegetarian burgers made from soya are very highly processed & often high in agri-chemicals, so not an overly healthy swap, aside from them containing complete protein.

I tried eating a few that vegan friends' gave me, & found they always gave me mouth ulcers within 30-45 minutes, followed by stomach cramps as they're not very digestible. Soy cheese does the same.

I tried catching mice with another meat substitute that's commonly sold in the UK, & some parts of the US, & promoted as healthy. Despite 12 hours in the live trap, & having no other food available as they'd eaten everything else, the Quorn remained untouched. If hungry mice won't eat fake meat, it can't be very healthy for humans.

[Plhall19 in reply to BadHare]

Thank you so much for your post. I have tried veggie burgers in the past but did not like them very much.

[BadHare in reply to Plhall19]

I've been vegetarian for over 30 years, & find they're usually poor quality, even the expensive ones. It's just an easy thing for lazy vegetarians, or non-veggies to buy for awkward guests.

[Plhall19 in reply to Wilburbudgirl]

I do not. I believe refined sugar is so unhealthy! I won't touch any sugary treat unless on a very rare occasion, like a desert that I am sharing with my fiance after a romantic dinner or something like that.

[benwl]

When you're tired and hungry, your willpower will be at its lowest, and temptation hardest to resist.

One thing I do is have a repertoire of healthy and filling foods I can make quickly, based on things like frozen veges, tinned tomatoes and beans.

[Plhall19]

Ty, I will try those things you suggested!

[Mrkk]

I have a alkaline tortilla soup recipe. Soak a bag of black beans overnight or red beans. 500 mL of vegetable stock three celery sticks a bunch of cilantro 4 carrots two ears of corn two handfuls of spinach cut up a can of Chipotle in Adobo sauce mix in a blender cook all of it together and eat serve with tortilla strips or chips cut up avocado and some sour cream is good with it but it's not good for you

[Plhall19 in reply to Mrkk]

Sounds so good! Im going to try this one, thanks for sharing!

[Ailsa101]

I am trying something to loose weight now.

I used to eat out at restaurants up to nine times a week! By cutting back to just once a week and ordering a grilled chicken salad instead of a large bowl of pasta, I've lost 20 pounds in one month.

[Hidden]

I make my own burgers, they take very little time to make and they are lovely and filling. I eat them with roasted sweet potatoes and vegetables.

[Plhall19]

Have you ever tried roasted sweet peppers with other roasted veggies? Takes out the starch of the veggie mix.

[BadHare]

What do you think you're craving from a burger, the protein, fat, or iron?

Can you find a quick meal that might provide a healthier fix of the above such as an organic egg omelette? Add lots of veg for added nutrition & eat with a big multi-coloured salad for vitamn C, so the iron in the eggs is better absorbed. I like watercress, rocket, & baby spinach for extra iron, with red peppers & tomatoes for vitamin C.

I keep a nut jar with almonds, walnuts, & brazils on my kitchen table, chia & linseeds, along with a box of assorted >70% cocoa chocolate, & also fresh & dried fruits. The nuts are good for protein & minerals, the chocolate for minerals & a happy fix. I like a juicy medjool date for low GI sugar with magnesium. My easy late breakfast or supper is a mix of the above snacks with a large glass of kefir. It has >20-25g of protein, a lot of filling fibre & nutrients including vitamin K2, & no effort.

[Plhall19 in reply to BadHare]

I believe it's the fat mixed with onion and tomato with cheese that I crave. I think your suggestions are very good! Perhaps I could satisfy this craving with cooked onion in oil oil, topped with fresh tomato thick slice and cheddar on top, with some nuts and pickles on the side. Wow, your post gave me that idea! Than you so much... perhaps after I get used to no burger, I can move on to other more healthy choices, thanks again!!

[BadHare in reply to Plhall19]

Omelettes pretty good with cheese on, too. Just as melty, & now I want one!

A scraps meal that I made last year was easy & tasty, when I couldn't be bothered shopping in the rain: half a bunch of spring onions, a finely chopped potato with skin left on, sauteed till the onion & potato are cooked. I use rice bran oil as coconuts too sweet for this. Add half a large bunch of chopped greens, & cook for a few minutes. I like cavolo nero, though ordinary kale, chard, etc, would be good. Stir this in for a few minutes, but don't overcook. Add lots of black pepper, then sprinkle the top with cheese & turn the heat down till it melts. I tried it with onion, which was good, but leeks are even better, especially with strong cheddar. An egg or two could be added, & cooked for a few minutes before the cheese goes on top.

[Plhall19]

I meant olive oil, lol

[BadHare in reply to Plhall19]

If you like the taste & texture of olive oil, try stir-frying with coconut oil. It's expensive, but very economical to use. I found I didn't need to add any sauces, just a splash of tamari, as it tastes so good. It has the same nice oily feel to eat as it's (good) saturated fat.

If you're frying with olive oil, make sure to keep the temperature very low so it doesn't become carcinogenic. Sautee temperature is fine.

[paulf45]

Anything processed is likely to be acidic. So as much unprocessed food as possible with lots of variety. Lots of fruit and vegetables.

Make your own nut, hemp or coconut milk -so no additives.

Try and avoid dairy products and processed meats.

Mind over matter- it's your health...you can get over your cravings.

Have a look at the following link/blog for ideas if open minded.

medicalmedium.com/blog/16-s...

Good luck