It needs a full energy boost
September is the month of recovery: once the holidays are over, it's back to school and the office, as summer slips into autumn. Re-establishing a healthy routine is crucial, starting with good eating habits that help you face the hectic post-return weeks with energy, focus, and balance.
Allies of well-being
"Breakfast is the first source of energy after an overnight fast and helps improve attention and learning ability. Ideally, it should include a source of carbohydrates, a source of protein, and a fresh fruit to ensure a balanced nutrient intake from the morning," says Donegani. "Similarly, respecting meal times and avoiding skipping them allows you to better control hunger and arrive at the main meals with a balanced appetite, reducing the risk of overindulging." But when time is short or when you're not hungry upon waking, it's difficult to put these suggestions into practice. However, we have formidable allies to help: American pistachios from American Pistachio Growers, a nonprofit agricultural association representing more than 800 members in California, Arizona, Texas, and New Mexico, are a true complete superfood, rich in high-quality protein and healthy fats, as well as being a source of important nutrients that help protect cells from oxidative stress. A serving of American pistachios, accompanied by yogurt or fruit, for example, is a quick, tasty, and nutritionally complete breakfast. Equally important is a snack to break up the long hours between lunch and dinner, which are often spent between commitments, school, and sports: "Snacks don't have to be abundant, but well-structured," comments Donegani. "The combination of fresh fruit and American pistachios is a simple and balanced solution: the fruit provides water, vitamins, and natural sugars, while the pistachios provide plant-based protein, fiber, and unsaturated fats, making it a satisfying and invigorating snack any time of day."
Organize yourself well to live better
Small and lightweight, pistachios are easy to carry in a bag or backpack and convenient to eat anywhere. That's why they can help us organize healthy breakfasts and snacks even when we're away from home. "It only takes a few minutes in the evening to prepare a packed lunch, wash fruit, or portion pistachios to take with us the next day. Having breakfast, lunch, and snacks ready helps reduce the number of decisions you have to make during busy hours and makes it easier to maintain a balanced diet even when you're away from home," Donegani emphasizes. Other helpful tips? Organize a dedicated snack area at home with healthy, balanced pre-packaged snacks and involve children in choosing and preparing snacks to encourage them to participate in their own eating habits. "Returning to school doesn't require strict diets or perfect days," Donegani concludes. "Daily habits make the difference."