Healthy Eating for Busy People: Practical Tips That Actually Work
We all have those moments where life starts to get busy and habits start to drop, and for a lot of people one of the first habits to go is their diet. Finding that you don’t have time to cook, or running low on energy so grabbing that takeaway is easier. Don’t get me wrong I love a good takeaway, and it’s okay to have it. I know for myself and my budget it can’t be a regular habits. Here are my top tips that make having home cooked meals a bit easier.
TIP 1: Use a Slow Cooker
I’m in love with my slow cooker. You can just throw everything in and leave it on during the day, and when you get home from a busy day dinner is already made. I love making curry, pulled pork, asian styled chicken, soups, stews, oats, mexican chicken, etc.
TIP 2: Meal prep or Food prep
You don’t need to cook every night. Have a day where you plan what you are going to have for the week. I personally like to meal prep over a few days. Where I cook 1-2 meals and cook extra to have leftovers for the rest of the week. Other people love to dedicate an afternoon or evening and prepare lunches, dinners or all 3 meals. Find what works for you.
If you get sick of having the same meal on repeat this is where I love to food prep. Food prep is preparing components of a meal. Have you ever felt roasting vegetables like potatoes or pumpkins can take forever. Cooking a big batch at once will save you time during the week. When it comes to preparing a meal you can just reheat the vegetables that are already cooked saving you time. Same goes with your meat. Cook a roast chicken, or use your slow cooker to cook some pulled pork and have that meat cooked and prepared so you can use it for many different meals.
TIP 3: Utilise your convenience foods
Think canned tuna, canned salmon, sardines. These sources of proteins are already cooked and ready to be consumed. Salad kits are another great option where all you have to do is mix the dressing into it. Microwavable rice is another quick and easy option.
TIP 4: Prepped ingredients
Frozen Veggies are already chopped and all you have to do is apply heat. Saves time on preparation. Same with buying meats like lamb or chicken that are already seasoned and marinated. All you need to do is chuck it in the oven. Work smarter not harder, especially if you are somebody who despises cutting up vegetables for 10 mins.
This is a reminder that eating healthy doesn’t have to be hard or challenging. There are always strategies to help you make it simple and easy.
I hope this has helped you.
Sincerely,
Katie your Clinical Nutritionist
