Simple advice from our QWelllness chef…

A carbohydrate free diet, while very effective, may not be very good for your health. In order to function optimally the brain utilises 20% of carbohydrate intake as fuel. Once a non carbohydrate diet has begun your brain is fooled into thinking there is a shortage of food. So it therefore begins to use the fat stored around the body as fuel. Many believe this is great for fat loss. Unfortunately, severe calorie res
tricting non carbohydrate diets may take key nutrients from major organs, thus inhibiting their function. This may pose a great threat to your general health and wellbeing.

Fear not!! A low carbohydrate diet on the other hand may still supply the brain with the necessary 20% of carbohydrates. So essential nutritients are not removed from elsewhere to maintain bodily functions. This is a much healthier way to lose weight, while allowing you to enjoy a more balanced and less restrictive lifestyle.

Ensure your low carbohydrate diet consists of a good meat or fish source with lots of fruit and vegetables and small amounts of potatoes, sweet potatoes, wholegrain pasta and rice.

Why not have a go at my top ten super easy low carbohydrate summer meal ideas…

Remember cooking is an art so experiment…

1. Sirloin Steak with Greek Salad
2. Smoked Salmon Scrambled Eggs
3. Warm Salad of Grilled Chicken with Mozzarella, Pesto and
   Pine Nuts
4. Baked Salmon Fillet with Steamed Green Vegetables
5. Grilled Chicken, Baby Lettuce, Peach, Crumbled Boursin Cheese, Avocado & Lemon
6. Smoked Haddock , Lambs Leaf, Boiled eggs, Grapes, Green Beans & Extra Virgin Olive Oil
7. Baked Hake with Smoked Tomato Lentil Casserole
8. Chilli Beef Stuffed Peppers with Rocket Salad, Pine Nuts and Parmesan
9. Warm Marinated Chicken Salad, Pinapple Chili Salsa and Lime Noodle Salad
10. Blue Cheese, Sliced Pear, Walnut and Shredded Ice Berg Lettuce

For more information and recipes contact l.moore@qcafe.ie.