Busy schedules and neverending to-do lists can make eating healthy a challenge. It is tempting to turn to unhealthy convenience foods or high-calorie fast food meals when you have too little time to prepare and eat your food. While this may seem like your only option, there are many ways you can incorporate healthy eating into your day.
Step 1
Set aside two hours each weekend to plan out your meals and snacks. Cook some entrees ahead of time and put them in the fridge or freezer. Prepare easy-to-carry baggies of healthy snacks.
Step 2
Stock up on healthier versions of quick snacks and always keep something with you either in your bag or your office desk drawer. Choose low-sugar dried fruits, walnuts, almonds, natural energy bars, apples, pears and popcorn.
Step 3
Choose the healthiest option possible when eating meals out. Salads and grilled sandwiches are good choices. Split a meal with another person or take half home for the next day to help control portion sizes.
Step 4
Go to a local supermarket when you need a to-go meal. Most offer salad bars and delis serving fresh, healthy foods prepared daily.
Step 5
Make use of a slow cooker during a busy week. You can throw fresh ingredients in during the morning, and it will be done by the time your family returns home in the evening.
Step 6
Prepare only part of your family meals. Order a vegetable pizza and bring it home, then make your own fresh vegetable salad to go with it and a fruit salad for dessert. Pick up a rotisserie chicken from the supermarket and combine it with a baked sweet potato that can be cooked in the microwave within minutes.
Tips and Warnings
- Stick to an eating pattern to keep your energy up even when you are on the run. Eat five or six mini-meals or three larger meals and two small snacks. Carry a reusable water bottle with you throughout the day to make sure you stay hydrated which will keep you feeling your best. Make the vending machine off limits. Leave small bills and extra coin change at home and you'll be less tempted to use it for an unhealthy snack.
- Avoid snacking all day which can lead to excess calories and don't go too long without food which will leave you overly hungry and more likely to splurge on unhealthy options.
Member Comments