Eating Mistakes that Slow Metabolism #5-6

5. Your Food is Covered with Pesticides Canadian researchers report that dieters with the most organochlorines (pollutants from pesticides, which are stored in fat cells) experience a greater than normal dip in metabolism as they lose weight, perhaps because the toxins interfere with the energy-burning process. Other research hints that pesticides can trigger weight gain. Always choose organic when buying peaches, apples, bell peppers, celery, nectarines, strawberries, cherries, lettuce, imported grapes and pears; non-organic versions tend to have the highest levels of pesticides.

For more information on choose organic foods, see our post on organic v. conventional food.

6. Your Meal Lack Protein Make sure protein is a component in every meal. Your body needs it to maintain lean muscle. Add a serving, like 3 ounces of lean meat, 2 tablespoons of nuts, or 8 ounces of low-fat yogurt, to every meal and snack. Research shows protein can up post-meal calorie burn by as much as 35%.

Try this recipe for Capellini with pine nuts, sun-dried tomatoes and chicken - which packs 22 grams of protein per serving! It eliminates the need for high-fat cream or butter sauces by adding flavor-packed ingredients and herbs.

Capellini with Pine Nuts, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Chicken
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

• 4 ounces whole wheat capellini or angel hair pasta
• 3 ounces dry-packed sun-dried tomatoes
• 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces chicken breast tenderloins, cut into bite-size pieces
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup sliced fresh basil
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

Directions

1. Prepare pasta per package directions without adding salt. Meanwhile, soak tomatoes in hot water for 10 minutes or until soft. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of water, and chop.
2. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat while pasta cooks. Season chicken with the salt. Add chicken, garlic and red pepper flakes to skillet. Cook, stirring, until garlic turns golden brown, about 1 1/2 minutes. Stir in tomatoes and reserved water and cook 2-3 minutes until chicken is completely cooked.
3. Drain pasta, add to skillet and toss. Add basil and toss. Divide pasta equally among 4 bowls and sprinkle each with 2 tablespoons of pine nuts. Top with more basil, if desired.

Nutritional Info (per serving) 387 calories, 19 g fat, 6 g fiber, 22 g protein