Meal Planning

I found a wonderful site that is really helpful when planning food intakes with optimal nutrition in mind.

If you go to this page - NutritionData.com - there is a search function that allows you to look for foods that are high in particular nutrients yet low in others.

You can search for foods high in up to three nutrients, while lowest in up to three others, one of which can be calories.

So I think I will be visiting this site often!

My weekend was not calorie restricted - too much wine and good food - but the comparison was interesting for me. I definately prefer the feeling of lightness, both physically and emotionally, that comes from a diet that is low calorie and based on fresh fruit and vegetables.

I'm not really sure if the ad lib approach to weekends is going to suit me right now. I feel the need for some more clearly defined boundaries to bring my balance back again.

Yesterday my calorie intake was around 1460 - not exact because I had to estimate a large amount of my foods - but the vitamins were only 58% and minerals 68%.

Even on my average calorie restricted days I can get to 75% without much effort and with under 1000 calories.

Even though there seems to be a lot of criticism surrounding CRON right now, if done properly this approach to nutrition will undoubtedly result in health improvements for those who follow the path with diligence, even just when simply considering the question of vitamin and mineral requirements.

Just for fun :) I think what I am going to do is write a list of my prefered foods that are highest in each nutrient yet low in calories, using the site above. This will not only be interesting and educational but I am sure it will be invaluable for meal planning in the future.