Food fuels your body, so filling up on unhealthy options is going to leave you feeling sluggish, bloated, and low on energy. Making nutritious choices doesn’t have to be complicated, but it can be difficult, especially if you have a busy schedule. However, just a few small and simple steps can make it easy for you and your family to make healthier food choices on a regular basis.
Keep Instant Meal Options on Hand
Few people have enough time to prepare full home-cooked meals on a routine basis, much less every single day. Accept the fact that life gets hectic and you need a plan B in place for when you’re in a crunch. Stock up on wholesome meal replacement shakes and bars so you’ll always have something to nourish and energize your body, even in a rush. This can also save you from wasting money and calories by grabbing takeout or fast food instead.
Prep and Freeze Your Whole Grains
Prepping your food ahead and storing it in the fridge or freezer is an excellent approach to making healthy eating easy. While most people think of proteins in this situation, many whole grains can be cooked, frozen, and then reheated as needed with delicious results. Brown rice and quinoa are some of the best options. Simply prepare a large batch of your favorite brand and portion it out into individual bags to freeze. Be sure to store them while they’re still warm; this will ensure the grains stay moist when they’re reheated.
Make Simple, Nutritious Bento Boxes
You don’t have to slave over a hot stove to make the perfect meal kit. A tasty combination of precooked, refrigerated, or pantry items can still make a simple yet satisfying bento box that you can grab any time of day, whether you’re looking for a satisfying snack or a quick meal. Start with a protein, such as cheese, boiled eggs, nut butter, or rotisserie chicken from your grocery store. Next, add your favorite fruit and vegetable. Throw in some whole-grain crackers and a handful of heart-healthy nuts and you have a quick solution that will last for days in the fridge.
Avoid Temptation Altogether
Some people think that they’re bad at resisting temptation, and that’s why they’re unable to maintain a healthy diet. However, studies have shown that people who are the most successful at sticking to a nutritious eating plan aren’t better at resistance; they simply avoid the temptation altogether. If you have a favorite snack or sweet that you just can’t say no to, don’t buy it unless it’s a special occasion. Keep unhealthy choices out of the house and you won’t have to stress when a craving strikes.
Focus on Fruits and Vegetables
Your body needs a wide variety of vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to function efficiently and maintain a strong immune system. The best way to get all of the essential nutrients your body needs is to eat plenty of produce, and a wide variety of it at that. For some people, it can be challenging to eat enough fruits and veggies. Start by committing to adding just one fruit or vegetable to every meal and working your way up from there.
If you’re just not big on produce, smoothies are an excellent solution that can help you get an entire day’s worth in one delicious drink. Look for recipes with ingredients that appeal to you and fix one every day to help you get the nutrients your body needs. Be sure to add some protein if you want to make it a complete meal.
These days, eating healthy isn’t always easy. With so much fast food, takeout, and prepackaged options readily available, it can be challenging to resist, especially when you’re in a rush. However, if you plan ahead, prep ahead, and shop smart, you can make healthy eating an easy task that quickly becomes a daily habit.
