Most people with a busy schedule want nutritious meals but feel it takes too much time. Eating healthy can feel too complicated to do. It sounds like a good idea, but where do you find the time to do all the research and planning that is required to do that? You can go to a nutritionist or get a personalized healthy eating plan. If neither option is available, these tips can help you maximize your nutrition, avoid unhealthy additives, and eat meals lower in calories.
Are you on the road frequently or eat out often?
There are less-than-perfect ways to ensure you get all the nourishment you require without eating too many calories. You can start by avoiding food with added sugar. It sounds like a tall order, but you can begin slowly by cutting out food with added sugar. Sugar is addictive. The more you eat, the more you need to taste the sweetness. Instead of dessert, eat fruit for the sweetness.
In restaurants, make a few changes.
Start your meal with a glass of water. Drinking water for half an hour before eating can fill you so you eat less. If the restaurant offers a slice of lemon with your water, take it. The juice can add flavor and a few vitamins. Instead of soft drinks, choose either water, unsweetened black coffee, or unsweetened tea. Order a salad and use vinegar and oil as dressing. Choose two sides of vegetables. Have baked potatoes instead of other options. Your main dish should be baked, broiled, or grilled and not fried. Choose fresh fruit instead of cake or pie as dessert.
If you have meal plans available, it’s the easiest way to ensure healthy meals.
One of the easiest ways to eat healthier is by using meal planning. You plan meals one night or use a meal planning service, shop another night, and cook all your meals for the week on the day you have off. It saves money and time. You use all the leftovers on the menu. Double the recipe and freeze the extra for another week’s meals. You might have roasted chicken one night and use the rest for casseroles or a salad. You pack all the meals for the week, so they’re portion-controlled. During the week, all you have to do is heat and eat, so it takes less time than the drive-through.
- Have healthy snacks ready to travel when you’re on the road or waiting for you in the fridge at home. Healthy snacks include nuts, fresh fruit, yogurt, and veggies.
- You can make eating healthy more fun. Instead of eating boring salads, turn it into a wrap. Pile salad, a protein source (meat, poultry, or refried beans) into a burrito or large soft tortilla, and you’re ready to eat.
- Find ways to add more colorful vegetables to your plate. If you’re making rice, add some broccoli or other vegetables. Save time in the kitchen by using a slow cooker or crock pot.
- Use frozen or canned vegetables to save time. Always check the label to ensure it only contains that vegetable. If canned green beans contain salt, rinse them before cooking to reduce the amount.
For more information, contact us today at Hawaii Fit Camp!