Eating Well

For me, food is one of life’s great pleasures. I believe that eating is a celebration and is sensual. Eating well is one of my secrets to a healthier and happier life. By slowing down and taking the time to enjoy your food, you will have better skin, a slimmer figure and radiant health.

My kitchen in the Hamptons is a gathering place for my friends and family. I take the time to create a relaxed atmosphere where we can savor our meals together. It doesn’t take a lot of money or culinary talent to bring joy and happiness to your meals if you share them with the people you love.

When I’m not on the run, I begin each day by having a healthy breakfast with my children. We have a fruit salad and cereal or whole grain toast with juice and tea. I eat lean proteins and vegetables for lunch and dinner. I do not go long without eating and always eat when I’m hungry. I swear by a light snack in the afternoon to curb hunger so that I don’t eat like a bear at dinner. Healthy snacks with an emphasis on protein take longer to digest and will fill you up longer. I like low-fat yogurt, string cheese, or a few nuts.

Denying yourself what you crave is a sure way to over indulge. When I crave sweets, I eat a Xochai dark chocolate square. A piece of fruit or some berries is also a good option. I just read that ripe plums and prunes can prevent bone loss and also may be able to reverse it. In general, the darker the fruit’s skin, the higher the antioxidants within. I guess that is why I like red wine so much.

Listen to what your body tells you. There are thousands of diet and nutrition books out there all touting different strategies to reach the same goals, a healthy weight and body. I like the Blood Type Diet, because I think each person is actually a carnivore or an herbivore. Since I have Type O blood, I need more meat and my body craves it. Nonetheless, I limit how much red meat I eat and concentrate my protein in cheese, chicken, pork, fish and seafood. And I eat my veggies.

Michelle Obama with the help of her girls and an elementary school class just planted an organic kitchen garden on the White House lawn. The Obama’s will be eating a rainbow this summer and so will my family. Lucky for me there are farmer’s markets and fresh produce stands all over the Hamptons. To find a farmer’s market or stores and restaurants selling locally produced food near you, go to www.localharvest.org.

Tip: Drink twenty minutes before or after a meal. People have a tendency to wash their food down with a beverage rather than chewing each bite thoroughly and allowing the enzymes to begin their work. Instead, sip a glass of red wine with your dinner. Enjoy!