How to Eat Well When Life Gets Crazy
Does your diet suffer when life gets hectic? Forgoing healthy eating because of a busy schedule might seem like a good solution, but your body and brain will both suffer in the long-run.
Luckily, there are easy ways to fill your diet with nutritious snacks and meals... even when life gets busy.
1. Start each day with a simple, healthy breakfast
Mornings are busy, but that doesn't mean you have to skip breakfast as you rush out the door. Try some of these fast and healthy breakfasts options:
- Greek yogurt topped with fruit and nuts
- Banana and peanut butter
- Breakfast burritos ( use this recipe to make a big batch ahead of time — store them in the freezer and microwave one before leaving the house)
- Smoothies
- Protein shakes
2. Meal prep as often as you can
Meal prepping, or making your meals ahead of time, is a great way to eat healthy and save time. Try cooking several meals once or twice a week, then freeze leftovers for future lunches and dinners.
3. When meal prepping isn't possible, stick to preparing individual ingredients
If you don't love leftovers or can't meal prep regularly, you can still set yourself up for success by preparing ingredients in batches.
After grocery shopping, take time to cut and slice produce, cook your favorite grains, and prepare meats and poultry. When it's time to eat, all you have to do is assemble ingredients, because the prep work is already done.
4. Embrace healthy soups and stews
Enjoying soups and stews might be the easiest way to eat a healthy, balanced meal when you're busy.
You could buy something from the store, but consider making your own at home with a slow cooker. Add your ingredients, set the temperature to low, and dinner will be ready when you walk in the door.
5. Keep a stash of healthy snacks on hand
Planning ahead is also a great technique for healthy snacking, especially when time flies and you need to eat something ASAP. When you have a stash of healthy snacks stored at the office, in the car, and in your backpack, there's no need to stop at the closest fast food joint.
6. Eat more veggies by getting creative with how you use them
There are so many ways to “sneak” more vegetables into your diet. Add spinach to smoothies, look for veggie-based alternatives to your favorite indulgences (like cauliflower mac and cheese), and switch up how you cook vegetables.
7. Drink plenty of water
Our bodies need water to thrive, and drinking enough H2O is the foundation of any healthy diet. Dehydration can also feel similar to hunger, so staying hydrated makes it easier to keep cravings and portions in check.
8. Address any negative thought patterns you have about food
Maintaining a healthy diet isn't only about the foods you choose. Your relationship with food is equally important , including how you think about food. If you find yourself restricting certain foods, using food as a reward or punishment, or using food to “solve” difficult emotions, it's time to rethink food's impact on your life.
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