Be Prepared in a Pinch

Pursuing a healthy lifestyle can be intimidating. ‘How do I balance working out, eating right and still maintain my daily routine’ are often questions we ask ourselves when starting out on a new health journey.

Oftentimes, the beginning stage is when folks slip up because, well, life gets busy and unexpected disruptions occur.

One of the key factors of living a healthier lifestyle is what you eat, and is actually the part that you can control and prepare for the most.

Prepping healthy meals in advance can save you money, time and any disappointment you may feel from busy days.

Importance of Being Prepared

Preparing your meals in advance can help you cut the costs and caloric intake of pre-packaged foods or fast food dinners for those especially busy days.

By preparing your meals in advance (perhaps, at the start of each week), you’ll save yourself the stress of figuring out what to eat, be more in control of what you eat and will help you resist the temptation of quick, but unhealthy meals.

Tips for Meal Prep

Once you start meal prepping, you’ll never look back. Meal prepping is a great way to stay on track with what you’re putting in your body and saves you time.

Consider buying pre-cut and pre-bagged foods that will save you time in the kitchen and can quickly be added to any dish. Another great and time-saving tip, is to cook large batches of a healthy meal and then simply freeze them to use in the following weeks. This is a great way to stay on track during those hectic weeks. Keeping nutritious snacks in the office or in your bag is an easy way to satisfy those afternoon temptations until dinnertime.

Quick, Healthy Choices

There are so many sustainable and filling foods out there that will help you stay on the right track. Frozen veggies, yogurt/cottage cheese cups, jerky, protein bars/shakes, raw veggies, nuts, hard-boiled eggs and tons more are great options to consider incorporating into your diet.

Tips for Eating Fast Food

We’ve all been tempted by the convenience of fast food. And while most fast food joints consist of greasy, battered meals, there are a few options to consider for those of us on a health journey.

Choose grilled over fried foods. Consider going to places that have an online nutrition calculator, like Chipotle or Subway. Consider your portions and if possible limit creamy sauces or meals that use a gravy-base. Most restaurants offer salads, so consider ordering a large salad and then a small portion of another item.

Food shouldn’t feel overwhelming or restricting, but sometimes it can especially during the start of a new, healthier way of life. Meal preparation, healthy snacks and consideration of your options can help you maintain a well-balanced diet.