Making Time for Healthy Eating

Written by Mallory Foster
Part of National Nutrition Month 2013

There always seems to be one thing that we never have enough of: time. We all live such busy lives and it can be difficult to find the time to prepare and eat healthy meals. However, the key lies in planning ahead!

Picture by Mallory Foster

Take one or two hours each weekend to plan what you will eat for the entire week; include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks for each day. This set aside time allows you to think through exactly what you will be eating the following week, and will help you avoid having to make unhealthy food choices on the go. Also, if you’re having difficulty deciding what to prepare and eat, this will give you a good opportunity to look-up new recipes and meal ideas.

When planning your meals for the week, think about preparation time. Choose recipes that will be quick and easy to prepare. Also, consider making items such as casseroles and soups that can easily be refrigerated and reheated later in the week.

Picture by Mallory Foster

Pack your lunch! Lunch time is always one of the busiest times of the day, and a lot of people find themselves buying their lunch at a fast-food restaurant or grab-n-go line. Plan each day’s lunch at the beginning of the week, and then consider packing your lunch the night before. This way the quality of your meal won’t be compromised by the morning rush, and you will be sure to have a healthy, well-balanced lunch.

After planning your meals for the week, go to the grocery store! Have fun, be creative, and make healthy choices!

References

United States Department of Agriculture. (2011). Eating on a budget: The 3P’s. Retrieved from http://www.choosemyplate.gov/healthy-eating-on-budget.html 

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