Healthy eating is essential for a healthy and active lifestyle, but it can be a challenge when you have a busy schedule. With work, family, and other commitments, it can be difficult to find the time to prepare nutritious meals.
Tips to make healthy eating a part of your life
•Plan ahead – One of the keys to success when it comes to eating healthy with a busy schedule is planning ahead. Make a meal plan for the week, and do your grocery shopping accordingly. Having a plan in place will help you to avoid the temptation of ordering take-out or grabbing unhealthy snacks when you’re short on time.
•Meal prep – Try preparing individual ingredients rather than completely assembled meals to maintain some variation in your meal preparation strategy. In this manner, you can combine them in various ways and maintain a sense of freshness throughout the week.
•Healthy snacks in hand – Having healthy snacks readily available can help you to avoid the temptation of junk food when you’re on the go. Keep a stock of fruit, nuts, and other healthy snacks in your office, car, or bag to munch on when you’re feeling hangry.
•Use of leftovers – When you’re pressed for time, having frozen or canned options on hand might be a lifesaver. These choices are just as nourishing and have the advantage of being less expensive and perishable.
•Time management – Make a note in your calendar or planner. Include time slots to remind yourself to have a snack or a meal if you are the type of person who loves to schedule everything on your agenda.
This reminder will make it easier for you to remember to eat even when you are rushing about or doing homework. After many hours of arduous work, taking a snack break will also assist you to relax and take a break.
•Use a slow cooker – Another useful appliance for those who are busy is a slow cooker. It allows you to start cooking dinner in the morning and having it ready when you get home from work because it keeps your food warm for hours (or more) after it has finished cooking. That saves so much time!
•Keep it simple – Maintain a simple, easy approach to meals, using the balanced plate concept as a nice overall dietary guideline. Aim to include portions of each food type at main meals that are roughly the size of a palm for protein-rich foods, a fist or less for starchy carbs, a few handfuls of vegetables, and a thumb for fat-rich foods. Meals may be less satisfying and nutritionally diverse if one or more of these ingredients are missing.
•Healthier choices in restaurants – Whenever you don’t have enough time to prepare a meal at home, you might be tempted to dine out. Make sure to finding and order a healthier option at the restaurant. It is simpler than you might imagine. Pick dishes that are mostly composed of veggies, healthful grains, and lean protein.
To make a balanced meal, think about including a variety of side dishes. Pay attention to the offered portion sizes as well. You shouldn’t feel pressured to consume the entire amount on the plate because quantities at restaurants are frequently too large for one person to consume. Consider sharing a meal with a friend, requesting a reduced serving, or putting half of the plate in a to-go box for later to prevent overeating.
•One pot wonders – Try making a one-pot dinner instead of using multiple bowls, pots, and utensils to create a meal! This simple meal method eliminates the need to plan what sides to prepare in addition to your main course because your single dish will have grains, vegetables, and protein. The oven or stove can do the majority of the job with quick prep, and cleanup is simple.
•Pack lunch – Packing your lunch is an excellent way to control what you eat, and it can save you a lot of money compared to eating out. Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veggies, and lean protein in your lunch, and try to steer clear of processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat snacks.
•Be flexible – Always be flexible when it comes to eating properly. Do not punish yourself if you err and choose a bad course of action. Just resume your food plan again.
Eating healthy with a busy schedule takes a little bit of planning and preparation, but it’s well worth the effort. By following these tips, you can ensure that you’re fueling your body with the nutrients it needs, even when you’re short on time.
Connect with Kanupriya Khanna who has been working in this field since 2003. She is regarded as one of the best dietitians in Delhi because of her unwavering commitment to making a difference in people’s lives by instilling good eating habits and lifestyles.
