I have been impatiently waiting for the beginning of this month to launch this blog and although the weather was surprisingly good today, I forced myself to stay home, cook, eat and start posting!

As soon as I woke-up, i drank  two glasses of water followed by a cup of coffee (1 tsp of Nescafe, 3 tsp of fat free coffee mate, 2 tsp of sugar)  and ate the fastest, most fulfilling and  easily prepared breakfast: Cereals and Milk!

“All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.” John Gunther                                                                                                    

I usually go for Bran Flakes (Kellogg’s) cereals because they are very rich in fiber and thus will make you feel full for a longer period of time and help you consume less calories.

Drinking skimmed milk isn’t an option, it is mandatory!

Several studies have found that milk assists weight loss and maintains bone mass.In fact, dieters who took 3 to 4 servings of milk while dieting have burnt more fat compared to their counterparts who didn’t.In addition, a glass of milk in the morning helps increase satiety and thus decreases the caloric intake by 9% at the next meal.

I didn’t wake-up very early and thus didn’t have time to eat a snack between breakfast and lunch!

“Salad is for a meal what fish is for a seal.” Dietitian Nicole Maftoum

The word “salad” originated from salt, and began with the early Romans salting their leafy greens and vegetables. One of the simplest and healthiest health habits that anyone can commit to, is to begin each meal (lunch and dinner) with a salad. It provides enough fiber, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and fills up the stomach, leaving a little space for the main course. The ideal portioning of the plate should always be: 50% salad, 25% Carbohydrates and 25% Proteins.

I started with the Tabbouleh salad then had the grilled chicken with the mashed potato that’s actually a medium boiled potato mashed with a tablespoon of virgin olive oil, salt, pepper mixed with green onions and 5 walnuts.

Walnuts are an excellent source of omega-3 essential fatty acids. Our body cannot manufacture omega-3 that has many potential health benefits ranging from cardiovascular protection to the promotion of better cognitive functions.

Walnuts are an important source of monounsaturated fats that lower LDL cholesterol levels and improve HDL levels.They contain an antioxidant compound that has several anticancer properties.A daily intake of 14 walnuts (halves) is recommended.

Three hours after my lunch, it was time for my afternoon snack!

I had two kiwi fruits with 12 almonds and 1/2 tsp of Honey! I like this combination, it really tastes good and is undoubtedly extremely beneficial!

“I don’t go long without eating. I never starve myself: I grab a healthy snack.” Vanessa Hudgens

The word snack comes from the English name “Snacken” which means to have a bite.Including two snacks in your daily diet plan is more than crucial since first of all, eating small frequent meals will keep your metabolism revved up to peak capacity.Secondly, it helps you consume less at meal times by appeasing your hunger and thirdly, it energized you at work when you feel that you’re getting a little bleary eyed.

I went out at night to Cafe de Prague, located in Hamra and ordered goat cheese salad. I didn’t eat the bacon (on top of the salad) and couldn’t finish it all!

Oh! I forgot to mention the 4 irresistible potato wedges that i stole from TZ’s dish!

Dietitian Nicole Maftoum