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Purée genius?
If you’re looking to shed stubborn pounds in time for summer, you may go goo goo ga ga for this diet plan from Long Island registered dietitian, chef and nutritionist Nicolette Pace. She recommends eating like a baby.
“A baby is the key to adult well-being,” Pace told The Post. “It’s remarkable that a baby without any life experience can give us a roadmap to live healthy.”
The good news is that you don’t have to strap on a bib and climb into a gigantic high chair to follow these tot tips. And please, don’t even think about turning on “CoComelon” at dinner time.
Instead, Pace encourages her clients — let’s call ’em squashbucklers — to embrace three simple behaviors to curb overeating.
Eat every two to four hours
Pace, who devised this concept while working with new moms, recommends eating your first meal an hour to three hours after waking up.
“It should include a solid protein source like eggs, cheese or yogurt, paired with a fibrous carbohydrate such as whole grains,” she advised. “Adding a serving of fruit or vegetables rounds it out for a balanced start to the day.”
Three to four hours later, go for a vegetable-based soup or salad.
The protein should be the vegan combination of beans and grains or the addition of meat.
Keep energy steady with a hearty starch like bread and a serving of fruit.
A planned mini-meal in the afternoon helps fill the gap between lunch and dinner, preventing excessive hunger later.
“This could be a small but satisfying option like fruit with cheese, a light entrée salad or a protein-blended smoothie,” Pace explained.
Dinner should happen about four hours after the mini-meal. Start with one or two servings of cooked vegetables and a fresh salad.
The protein could be fish, poultry or meat — pair it with a carb like potatoes, beans or a whole-grain pilaf.
A nighttime snack, ideally two to three hours before bed, should be light but filling.
“A banana with milk (almond, soy or dairy) works well, or something fibrous like a bit of peanut, almond or hazelnut butter,” Pace said. “High-fiber cereal with soy milk or yogurt is another option, and for something warm, cocoa or tea can be a great way to wind down.”
Take your time
Babies typically feed for 15 to 30 minutes.
Pace suggests taking at least 15 minutes to finish meals — and chewing every bite.
Eating quickly makes it harder for your brain to register that you’re full, which can result in overeating.
Fast eating also doesn’t allow for proper digestion and can lead to the swallowing of excessive air, paving the way for indigestion, heartburn, bloating and gas.
Avoid mindless munching
“Just like babies, listen to your body’s natural hunger signals,” Pace advised.
Eat when you’re genuinely hungry rather than for emotional reasons or out of boredom.
“Before reaching for a treat, ask yourself if there’s something on your mind or if you’re bored,” she said.
“If it doesn’t feel like you’re hungry, try a different activity for a bit. If you like video games, play a game, or paint something if you’re feeling artistic. If, at the end of your activity, you’re still craving something, have a little bit and satiate the craving.”
