Stay Healthy On a Busy Schedule
Healthy living is something we all strive for. However, ensuring that both you and your family eat healthy to some can seem like an unwanted hassle. Many of us live life on the go and tend to reach for quick foods instead of preparing healthy snacks. We all have excuses that can keep us from our nutrition goals but fortunately with the right tips and planning you can stay healthy on a busy schedule.
Tip #1: Make a List
Healthy living starts at the grocery store or farmers market. You can’t eat healthy if you don’t buy healthy. One of the biggest helpers in preparing healthy food is to lay out a plan for the week and take your list shopping with you to guarantee you get all the needed items and don’t forget anything. It’s also a good way to keep yourself on track seeing as many times the most appetizing foods, for example the beautifully pictured pies in the freezer section, are not always the healthiest.
Tip #2: Plan Ahead
Sticking to your grocery list means nothing if you don’t eat the healthy food you bought! That’s why proper planning is also essential for healthy living! Take a few minutes at night to prepare lunches for the next day. If it’s a weekend try making some quick nutritious snacks suck as fruit slices or granola and putting it into Ziploc bags that you can take on the go.
Tip #3: Find “Cheat” Foods
Don’t get too excited we aren’t cheating with unhealthy food; instead we are cheating with healthy substitutes to the unhealthy foods we love. For instance if you can’t live without chocolate instead of going for a milk chocolate candy bar try dark chocolate. Since people are becoming more aware of the health benefits of dark chocolate there are now a ton of flavors to choose from to satisfy most any chocolate lover! Another example is substituting frozen yogurt for ice cream. There are several ways to indulge in the foods you love while still remaining to eat healthy and nourish your body.
Remember that just like any other change in life dedicating yourself to healthy eating habits takes determination and time. Once you form a routine though it will become second nature to make your list, prepare meals in advance, and find your healthy “cheat” options. When you eat better you feel better and feeling the benefits of properly nourishing your body will also be a huge boost of motivation. Its easy to stay healthy on a busy schedule when you find healthy foods that taste great!
Challenge yourself! This week map out a healthy grocery list for you and your family, maybe even plan a fun trip to your local farmers market together. Set aside a specific time to prepare food for the following day whether it is after diner or before bed, you can play with the time to see which works best for you. Last don’t forget your “cheat” foods! You will never stick to any health plan if you don’t like what you’re eating.
Working all the time? Make sure your office has a healthy vending machine packed with nutritious snacks.
Comment below and share how the “challenge worked for you!
Photo by: madlyinlovewithlife
