It’s almost 5:00 and you are so ready to be done with your exhausting work day. But first, you have to stop at the bank, pick up the kids, do the normal house chores and, of course, prepare dinner. On second thought, wouldn’t ordering a pizza again be easier? Does this sound familiar to you? American families are busier than ever these days, and time is almost everyone’s biggest complaint as to why we don’t prepare more nutritious meals.
I realize it’s impossible to add more time to your day, but it is doable to plan ahead and prioritize. And as you know, keeping you and your family healthy is a top priority! Read the tips below, and you will find that eating healthy can be convenient after all!
1. Prep a few days worth of meals ahead of time. Grill chicken breasts, pre-chop your veggies, hard boil eggs. You can even precook your whole wheat pasta. According to stilltasty.com, pasta lasts in the refrigerator for up to 5 days! Just warm it up in the microwave when you need it.
2. Use the crock pot. I love my crock pot! Just throw in some frozen meat, veggies, maybe a can of low fat cream of mushroom or chicken soup, and turn on low. When you get home from work, you have a delicious and nutritious meal! Here are some easy crock pot recipes.
3. When you just don’t have the time to cook. When you have zero time to cook or just don’t feel like it, you can pick up several quick and easy items at the grocery store. Try frozen veggies, fruit, quick cooking brown rice, or rotisserie chicken (skip the skin).
4. When you’re on the road. Your best bet is to pack a lunch sack or cooler ahead of time with your own healthy food. But, if you forget and your driver pulls into a fast food joint, go for a grilled sandwich or salad with light dressing. If you absolutely can’t resist the burger and fries, remember portion control.
With a little preparation and planning ahead, you can see that even in your most busy of times, healthy choices are still possible. What are your best tips for making healthy choices when you are short on time?