Forget that busy schedule – healthy, tasty meals are still an option for everyone. Here are a few tips and tricks to make eating healthy easy for you.
- Plan a week’s worth of meals in advance. Think of how to creatively use left-over’s.
- Keep a grocery list. Store the list somewhere easily accessible so that you’ll update it whenever you notice that an item needs restocked.
- Save Sunday’s paper and find a moment to clip coupons.
- Buy fresh foods from the grocery store every 3-4 days. These include vegetables, fruits and fresh breads.
- Get into a routine for certain meals. Eating similar things at each meal makes shopping easier. Introduce some variety to keep it interesting. (e.x., oatmeal for breakfast, salad for lunch, etc.)
- Purchase meats and fish in larger quantities and freeze extra. Upon return from the grocery store, separate meats and fish into portions for immediate consumption and for freezing. Package portions for freezing separately for convenient defrosting and use later.
- Prepare several portions of salad all at once. Slice vegetables and lettuce. Package a portion of vegetables all together in one zip lock back. Put lettuce in another. When ready to use, simply mix together with a little salad dressing. Portions of salad can be prepared 2-3 days in advance.
- If you anticipate a busy week, prepare something over the weekend that can serve for several dinners or lunches. Consider a chicken or lasagna recipe. If not planning to eat left-over’s immediately, freeze in individual portions. These make great “fast food” meals to pull out on a busy day.
Have fun with your meal planning! Remember that sharing a meal with your significant other or a friend can make the meal that much more enjoyable. It’s a simple pleasure that adds joy to the day.