Maybe you've been wanting to eat healthier but don't think you have the time to make it happen. Eating healthy can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of time to eat better. Introducing a few new tricks and tips into your daily routine can make eating healthier a simple habit. Doesn't that sound less daunting than what you imagined?
Meal Plan Each Week
Meal planning itself may not be quick, but it will save you lots of time in the long run and make it easier for you to make healthier food choices. Sit down each weekend and plan your meals for the following week. Include breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and snacks so nothing is left to chance.
Prep Ahead of Time
Eating healthier is easier when you have food on hand. We don’t always have the time or energy to chop veggies for a salad or boil eggs for breakfast. Take time on the weekends to meal prep so you can make quick, healthy decisions during the busy week.
Plan Your Food for the Day
If meal planning for the entire week feels overwhelming, plan what you are going to eat each day. Take 10 minutes each night to plan your meals for the next day. This helps you stay within your calorie intake and ensures you're eating healthy foods.
Here's a quick example:
- Breakfast: Chia Pudding
- Lunch: Mediterranean Inspired Quinoa Salad
- Dinner: Sheet Pan Potatoes with Chorizo
Opt for Whole Foods
It's always better to have fresh whole foods than something out of a box or wrapper. When shopping, stay in the “outer ring” of the grocery store where the healthiest produce and foods are located. This helps you stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables.
Check the Labels
Take a look at the foods you eat regularly and read the ingredients. If there are too many unnatural components or ingredients you can’t pronounce, consider removing them from your diet. Switch to foods with fewer and healthier ingredients.
Exercise Portion Control
Eating healthier sometimes means eating less. Portion control is a great way to ensure you're consuming a suitable amount of calories each day. Divide snacks into serving sizes rather than eating mindlessly from the box or bag. Smaller plates can also help you eat the right portions.
Start Your Day with Water
Begin your day with a tall glass of water. Adding fresh lemon can offer numerous health benefits, including kickstarting your metabolism. Staying hydrated is essential for overall health.
Avoid Skipping Meals
Skipping meals isn’t doing your body any favors. Make sure you're eating at least three solid meals and 1-2 snacks each day to keep your metabolism working optimally. Opt for quick, nutritious breakfasts like a southwestern breakfast casserole or a steel-cut oats breakfast bowl.
Always Pack Your Own Lunch
Packing a nutritious lunch ensures you stay on track with healthy eating. Co-workers might invite you out, but having a packed lunch helps you avoid unhealthy choices. Start by simply packing leftovers and when you have more time do a little food prep and prepare mason jar salads or by packing veggies and hummus to snack on.
Have a Small Plate Before Dinner
Dinner is usually the largest meal of the day, so consider having a small plate of raw veggies or a salad before the main meal. This healthy appetizer gets your stomach on the right track before you start eating.
Drink When You Feel Hungry
Sometimes our brains mistake hunger for thirst. When you feel like snacking, try drinking some water first. You may find your craving goes away, and you won’t consume unnecessary calories.
Take Your Time Eating
Eating quickly can lead to overeating. Instead, take your time and enjoy each bite. Sip your drink throughout the meal to lengthen the process. This helps your stomach realize you're full before you overeat.
Keep Healthy Snacks On Hand
Stocking up on delicious and healthy snacks keeps the urge to eat junk food at bay. Keep fresh fruit on the counter, and have nuts in your purse or car for on-the-go snacking.
Eliminate Junk Food
If you don’t have junk food in the house, you won’t eat it. Getting rid of “bad” foods prevents the urge to raid the fridge or cabinets. Prepare for late-night snacking by having healthy alternatives like cherry tomatoes or celery sticks.
Find Healthy Alternatives
Love ice cream but want to eat healthier? Substitute your favorites for lower-calorie versions like our quick and easy banana cream frozen yogurt. Finding healthier substitutions for less-than-healthy foods is a great way to eat better overall.
Eating better doesn’t have to take up a lot of time. It’s about being mindful of what you consume every day. Making a conscious effort to eat healthy goes a long way, and you’ll soon start to notice these changes becoming everyday habits.