Wanna know how you can stave off hunger?
Go for balanced meals that include carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
Here’s why the combinations works:

Carbs give us energy. Fats help absorption of vitamins and minerals, lubricate our intestines, and cushion our organs. Proteins provide the “go button” for most of our body’s enzymatic processes.

If we eat Carbs alone, they rocket through our digestive track as the body excitedly takes them up. Eating fat along with carbs slows this process by something called satiety. Satiety is that feeling of contentment or fullness after we eat. Fats make that feeling last longer. Proteins work to keep the body functioning at its best and repair anything that might be off-kilter. This means that that slow moving carb and fat combo can be better utilized when we add in some protein.

Here’s a great, balanced meal idea that’ll keep you full, fit, and away from unnecessary snacking:

Bock-Bock Tacos*
Makes 12 Tacos

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs poached chicken breast, thinly shredded
• 1 can 11-oz corn with peppers, drained
• 1 can 10-oz mild or hot enchilada sauce
• 1 box 6-oz crisp whole wheat taco shells (12 shells)
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 2 tsp chopped garlic
• 1/2 cup shredded low-fat pepper Jack or sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded or torn lettuce
• 1/2 cup chunky salsa

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Use a fork and your fingers to shred the chicken, discarding the skin and bones.
2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
3. Add the onions and cook for 4 minutes or until soft.
4. Add the chicken, corn, and garlic, and cook for 1 minute.
5. Add enchilada sauce, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Heat the taco shells in the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, or until warm.
7. For each taco, fill a shell with a tablespoon of cheese and about 1/3 cup of the chicken.
8. Top with some lettuce and salsa.

* womenshealthmag.com (recipe altered to improve nutritional content)

Nutritional Facts Per serving:

CALORIES  157 CAL
FAT  3 G
SATURATED FAT  1 G
CHOLESTEROL  49.2 MG
SODIUM  280 MG
CARBOHYDRATES  14.9 G
TOTAL SUGARS  2.7 G
DIETARY FIBER 2 G
PROTEIN  18.2 G

Do you have a meal that is a great combo of carbs, protein and fat?