Life & Style | Health
Ask the experts: Up the nutrition of sandwiches
Aquarius' panel of experts answers all your burning questions on life, love and living in the UAE
- By Louisa Wilkins, Senior Features Writer, Aquarius
- Published: 00:00 January 1, 2012
- Image Credit: Camera Press
- "When making sandwiches, opt for wholegrain breads, which offer extra vitamins, minerals and fibre, or, try seeded, or multigrain bread. Also, mix it up with different breads, including rolls, pitta bread, small flatbreads and bagels."
Q I love the ease of sandwiches and take one to work every day for lunch. How can I maximise the health and nutrition rating of my daily sarnie?
A Sarah says: "Sandwiches are a great, easy lunch option as they provide a good source of carbohydrate and protein. Opt for wholegrain breads, which offer extra vitamins, minerals and fibre, or, try seeded, or multigrain bread. Also, mix it up with different breads, including rolls, pitta bread, small flatbreads and bagels.
"Ensure that you eat a variety of fillings: pair up a mixture of salad (such as green leaves, cucumber, red pepper, tomatoes, fresh herbs or baby spinach) with a protein choice, such as strong-flavoured cheese, so that onlya small amount is required; tuna canned in springwater; hard-boiled eggs; smoked salmon and low-fat labneh; chicken, beef or other left-over meat; hummus; unsalted nut butters, such as peanut, almond and cashew; tahini, or prawns. Instead of mayonnaise, use low-fat plain yoghurt and, instead of butter, try spreads like low-fat labneh or low-fat Philadelphia."
Q My husband left me four years ago and I can't seem to move on. I know it's over for good, but I haven't met anybody else I am interested in.
A Dr Afridi says: "If you haven't moved on, it's because you haven't learned all there is to learn, and healed all there is to heal, from this experience.I don't believe you have not met anyone you're interested in, but I do believe you're not ready to meet someone until you have processed the loss - the loss of your husband, the marriage, the hopes and dreams… which is ultimately the death of one way of being. How has the ending of your marriage affected you? How and why did it end? Can you take some ownership of your relationship ending, or do you believe you were a victim who was ‘left'? Who else do you believe has ‘left' you, and did you heal from those experiences? There is a lot to gain from this loss, if you stay with it long enough, instead of trying to move on."
Q I've always worked hard and prided myself on my career as a corporate lawyer. However, I took a sabbatical of six months following the birth of my daughter and now, when I should be going back to work, I feel I have lost my nerve.
A Emily says: "This is a very common concern and worry. Your priorities have shifted and your perspective on life will have changed. It's important that you manage both your work life and family life carefully. Take some time away from your baby before you start work. Get physically fit - this naturally boosts your confidence. Spend quality time with your husband.
"Be honest in the workplace. If you're feeling overwhelmed or low in confidence, talk to your boss. Hiding your issues will only make them worse. Remember, there is no such thing as a ‘superwoman'. Be proud of the fact that you have a family and a career. That's a huge achievement in itself."
Family doctor
Dr Carole Chidiac is a family medicine specialist and medical director at Dr Akels Clinic (www.groupgmc.com).
Nutritionist
Sarah Queen is a nutritional consultant and founder of Nutrition Matters Arabia (www.nutritionmattersarabia.com).
Fitness expert
Gareth Shepherd isa personal trainer and fitness instructor at Core Direction (www.coredirection.com).
Psychologist
Dr Saliha Afridi is a clinical psychologist and owner of The Lighthouse Arabia (www.lighthousearabia.com).
Lifecoach
Emily Cheyne has her own lifecoaching company, Know-How-Group (www.know-how-group.com).
Got a question for our experts?
Email us at aquariusedit@alnisrmedia.com
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