Most of us know we could improve our eating habits, but how do we do that on days when we’re running from one thing to the next. It truly can be a challenge, but with just a bit of shopping savvy, you can make better choices that will keep you energized and healthy.
Today, I’ll share tips on healthy eating without cooking a traditional meal.
Things to Keep on Hand in your Pantry – I try to keep plenty of easy things in the pantry that I can put together quickly for some nourishment. I regularly stock canned albacore tuna, canned chicken and canned salmon, along with some lower sodium organic soups and whole grain crackers. Canned beans, along with these canned meats can be added to a salad.
Things to Keep on Hand in the Refrigerator – When on the run you can get a dairy/protein serving with some low sodium cottage cheese, or a low sugar greek yogurt, or a cheese stick. I regularly consume 1/4 cup of raw almonds when I’m getting hungry and need something to get me to the next meal. Hard boiled eggs are another easy option to have ready to munch on. I also have fresh fruit cut up and ready to go for busy days.
Make Good use of Leftovers – When I cook things like chile or soup, I always make up a big pot so that I can freeze 1-2 meal’s worth and have some fresh that will last a few days. When cooking any kind of meal like chicken and veggies, make extra for the next day. When I make a salad, I will make up a few days worth of lunch size salads to grab quickly in the morning.
Better Deli Choices – I try to go to Whole Foods or the local co-op for my deli foods so that I get better choices of salads to go, wraps, and even main entrees ready to just reheat. This can be a bit more spendy, but still less than eating out at a restaurant.
Restaurant Tips – I eat out more now than ever, especially during the winter season in FL. Learning to make better choices regularly goes a long way to keeping healthy and enjoying a good social life. These are some things I typically do in a restaurant:
- Tell the waiter – no bread basket
- Choose 3-5 oz protein sizes
- Limit the amount of dense carbs like rice, pasta and white potatoes
- Ask to substitute a starch for additional veggies
- Request salad dressing on the side
- Alcohol’s better choice – red wine
These are just some of the things I do to make eating healthy easier. Please share with me what you do.
