eat write
Anita bean answers
all your nutrition questions
Q. How can I stop my cravings for something sweet after dinner?
A. We develop the habit of ending a meal with sweet foods during childhood. Try drinking a cup of fruit or mint tea instead – after a week your brain will break the old connection. If you find this difficult, try satsumas, grapes or pineapple. These are low calorie yet sweet enough to satisfy your craving.
Q. Eating out with clients and drinking with colleagues is crucial to my job in PR, but I’ve gained almost a stone in 10 months. How can I avoid putting on weight?
A. To save calories have a starter or dessert but not both. Pass on the bread (just one hunk is loaded with calories) and start with a salad or vegetable soup to take the edge off your appetite. For main courses, avoid any dish described as fried, creamy or battered. Replace high-fat foods like fries with salad or vegetables and have fresh fruit or sorbet for dessert.
Q. I enjoy a glass of wine, but should I worry about alcohol and my health?
A. Try one of the new lower alcohol wines available from supermarkets, such as Sainsbury’s new Ten% range. Two small glasses contain 2.5 units of alcohol, so it’s within government guidelines of two to three units a day for women. Or try single shot spirits with a low-cal mixer. Having a glass of water for every one of alcohol will help you drink less, and save calories at the same time.
