I hear time and time again how people are just “too busy” to eat healthy. My response to this is simple, no you’re not!
Eating healthy is a matter of preparation. I know what some of you are thinking, you don’t have time to cook, or eating healthy is just too expensive. My goal is to convince you otherwise and provide you with some tips on Eating Healthy on the Go. I garauntee that most of you are spending more money on eating out then I do on eating healthy.
1) Go grocery shopping and stock up on foods that you enjoy. Take a list with you that includes items for meals that you can make ahead of time & tupperware up for the week (or just a few days if you prefer fresher food).
2) Stock up on water & eliminate sugary drinks. Water is the most overlooked item in a healthy eating plan!
3) Prepare your meals at least a day in advance if you have a hectic schedule.This is extremely important! Get your lunchbox ready the night before work so that you have healthy snacks and meals to last you all day. If you don’t, you’ll find yourself either a) running to AM/PM for an afternoon snack or b) going through a drive through on your way home because you’re so ravished. Prepare or prepare to fail!
4) Choose food items that fit your lifestyle & that you enjoy. For example, I know that I often eat breakfast in my car after the gym & on my way to work (horrible I know!), so I make sure that on the mornings I`ll be eating in my car I have made items that are easy for me to eat like oatmeal. Sometimes I have eggs & stop at 7-11 to use their microwave & grab a fork! It CAN be done. Afterall, if I didn’t have my food I would be stopping there for food anyways. 90 seconds in and out. If you’re a diabetic, make sure you have snacks rich in carbohydrate and fiber to raise blood sugars up to normal levels and sustain for a period of time.
5) Don’t cheat yourself. Do not buy most of your groceries healthy, and then buy cookies and cakes to have around the house. Especially if you’re like me and will eat them if they’re in sight! It’s better if you treat yourself to food to go out for a treat. Do not sit around on the couch eating cookies. Remember the 80/20 rule!
6) Coupon and know where to shop. Know the best places to go for overall value if financials and produce / meat freshness is an issue to you. Really, it’s an issue to everyone. Cost may be more upfront then a box of cookies is, but long-term you`ll save thousands of dollars for your pocket book.
7) Stock up your vehicle! Keep bars, crackers, almond or peanut butter or other healthy snacks in your car or purse in case you end up being gone longer then expected. Life happens! If you have something on hand you are not as likely to stop for food elsewhere, and if you do there is NO EXCUSE.
Eating healthy is much easier, and much more affordable then you may think! Just like anything else, give yourself a few weeks to develop this new habit. If you’re still skeptical or affordability, save every receipt this next week for every drink, snack and meal that you buy out. You will be shocked at how much you’re spending!