Photo Credit: Lauren Farkash ElleKashPhotography @ElleKash
We talk bedtime snacks and breakfast in bed with Ali, a registered dietician practising what she preaches. She has a passion for nutrition and health and truly enjoys educating others on living a healthy lifestyle.
1. Nutrition and living a healthy lifestyle is ever-rising in popularity today. Why are you so passionate about this area?
I am so passionate because I believe that we are what we eat. Our bodies are like machines and we must fuel them with the right nutrients. By properly fueling your body, you are helping it to function optimally. Food is medicine, which is why it is so important to eat a well-balanced diet. However, there is so much false information out there about nutrition and what a balanced diet entails and I feel that it is my responsibility as a dietician to educate others.
2. What is next for you in your career?
My next goal is to work in a clinical setting. Someone suffering from a medical condition can improve or stabilize their condition, instead of worsening it, through appropriate nutrition. I plan on becoming a diabetes educator; as diabetes is a disease that people don’t know much about and the implications it can have on one's health. Throughout my career, I will continue to educate others on nutrition and help people in any way I can. Whether it is to verify nutrition facts or help someone through their weight loss journey.
3. What can you recommend to our readers as a healthy bedtime snack?
Eating before bed can be tricky because as it is time to wind down from the day. At bedtime, our metabolism begins to slow down because we simply are just not as active. However, if you are feeling hungry before bed it is best to choose a snack that is not too heavy and that your body will have an easier time to digest. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat before going to sleep. It's best to choose light and nutritious snacks with some protein and carbohydrate to keep you full like:
Ingredients:
Directions
Photo Credit: Lauren Farkash ElleKashPhotography @ElleKash
4. What are your favourite things to do on the weekend in Montreal in the spring?
Montreal is so beautiful in the spring and there are so many activities to do. On a nice weekend day I like to take a walk on Mount-Royal, it is even nice to go there with some snacks and food and have a little picnic. I even like to go walk around downtown shopping and sit outside on the terrace of Mandy’s and enjoy one of their delicious salads. Another activity to do is grab your bike or rent bikes in old Montreal and explore, although I’ve lived here my entire life it is still beautiful to spend some time around there-there are always pop up shops or festivals going on and not to mention there are delicious spots to eat. Going to the rooftop of Hotel Neligan is a treat, where I can have a nice cocktail or glass of wine with some friends. In the later springtime and entering summer if you are more into a partying scene, great DJ’s play at Parc Jean-Drapeau every Sunday at an event called Piknic Electronik. Montreal has a lot going on in the springtime.
5. What is your secret to sweet dreams?
My secret to a night of good sleep and sweet dreams is to have an idea of what time I am going to sleep so I can take my time to get ready for bed – wash up and put on comfortable pyjamas. I have the best sleep when I am in my soft and light pyjama pants from Joe’s (in Montreal) with any light t-shirt. It is not good to overdress when going to bed because you can overheat and that can disrupt your sleep. If you are someone who likes to watch TV before bed its best to shut it down at least 30 minutes before you go to sleep, as the light and the distraction of the TV can keep your mind going when its time to shut your mind off. When its time to sleep I turn off the lights (I like it dark). Sleep is so important and a part of living a healthy lifestyle. A lack of sleep and being tired can lead to over-eating as it plays with our hunger hormones.
6. What is your favourite breakfast-in-bed?
My favourite breakfast in bed is pancakes. As I usually can only eat breakfast in bed on the weekends, and who doesn’t love delicious, fluffy pancakes on Saturday or Sunday morning? I make delicious high protein and high fibre pancakes that leave me feeling satisfied without the guilt of eating high sugar and high-fat pancakes.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup of all brand buds into a fine flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup skim milk or almond milk (or any milk of your choice)
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Options: nut-butter, berries etc. for toppings
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well
- Spray a non-stick pan and pour a spoonful of the pancake batter – makes about 6 small pancakes
- Top it off with your favourite nut butter and berries
Photo Cred: Lauren Farkash ElleKashPhotography @ElleKash
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