Spring Forward Eat Forward

Yup,it's that time of the year when we have to set our clocks one hour ahead ,(remember when that used to happen in April)>It means our habits, especially our eating  ones have to be changed. it's definitely a disruption however with a few tweaks we can get back to normal.It's just recalibrating so that we can eat normally , whether it's morning noon or night.

One of the worst times is morning. what was once six is now seven and both you and your stomach are not ready to face the day, let alone eating.Getting into the mood is going to take some time. It's like heading to another part of the world. At first your internal clock can't adjust .It needs a few days to recalibrate The same problem here. If you have to get up at seven or eight and not feel hungry, then don't force it. Get showered and dressed first, even do a chore or two until you feel ready for that bowl of cereal or toast. if you still aren't feeling peckish, then grab a yogurt and a piece of fruit and eat at work. Don't make the mistake of buying one of those breakfast sandwiches to eat later on. They're fattening and greasy.- think of the stomach problems ahead. A better choice is a whole wheat bagel with a light skim of butter or margarine, or one of those instant cups of oatmeal.Also if you're a snacker, skip those late night treats and go to bed hungry. You'll wake up wanting breakfast no matter what the time.

Snack times and lunch are also completely thrown off too. A usual eleven o' clock apple or pear will now be eaten at twelve, the accepted lunchtime. If you can, try to combine the two by eating a light lunch. Think a cup of soup, instead of the usual sandwich, or better yet a small salad, followed by some fruit. Nibble on almonds through the day if you still feel hungry. These are not only low calorie but heart healthy. They also give you a boost of energy to carry you through meetings and projects. Dinner presents a whole new set of problems. By five or six you and your family may not be that hungry. The dilemma with that is eat later, and one,it's hard to go to bed on a full stomach and two, eating later will put on the pounds. Try to compromise on a time that's good for everyone, say around five thirty or six. Again, serve light, until everyone is used to the new time. Think roast chicken and pilaf, or veggie kabobs with couscous. Don't plan on heavy roasts or heavily spiced chilis and curries that will keep you awake (which is a whole other headache). Stridently keep away from caffeine. For after supper think an herbal tea that promotes sleepiness (try Twinings Nightly Calm made with relaxing chamomile and spearmint).As a snack stick to a cup of warm milk. This has tryptophan (any dairy product does) which will ease you into sleeping earlier.

The whole time change thing is a drag.It disrupts everything , including our eating habits.You cant fight it . Just accept it with some changes to your diet and habits. You'll feel better and get back to normal in no time.