You begin with the best of intentions. You save healthy recipes on your computer, buy quinoa and kale at the supermarket and purchase a pressure cooker. Then something happens. A big work project slams you, or you have to take care of sick children (or parents), and you end up running around all day doing errands. No matter what the reason is, we often find ourselves with little time or energy. To prepare meals. You order a pizza or go to the drive-thru, leaving you feeling bloated.
You have good reason to be worried. You’re right to be concerned. You can make wholesome food at home without spending a lot of time planning meals or shopping. It’s possible to eat better on the move. Here are some tips to help you keep on track, even when you feel frazzled.
Healthy Restaurant Options
Many restaurants offer lighter food on their menus. They often include calorie counts. Before you go out, check online restaurant menus to find the best choices. Consider these tips before ordering:
- Start your meal with a small soup or salad. This is a healthy and filling way to start your meal and will help you consume fewer calories.
- You can choose entrees with vegetables or fish, skinless chicken or baked, broiled, or grilled.
- Choose meals that don’t contain a lot of fat or grease. Instead of ordering cheese-covered enchiladas with chicken, order grilled fish or chicken tacos. Foods without gravies or creamy sauces are best.
- Ask for salads or vegetables instead of fatty sides like fries, coleslaw, or buttery mashed potatoes.
- Restaurant portions may be too large. Check if smaller portions are available. On request, restaurants often serve “half” sandwiches or salads. Ask for a “doggie bag,” and you can take home one-third to half of your meal.
- Choose fresh fruit sorbet or a dessert made from sorbet.
Fast Food Choices
Fast food does not have to be a cheeseburger with a lot of fat and salty fries. Today, many menu choices offer healthier options. Online menus from many fast-food chains include calorie counts.
You can make smart choices for quick and easy meals by choosing restaurants where you are in control of what is put into your order. In a sandwich shop, you can easily make healthier adjustments, such as adding extra vegetables and whole wheat bread and omitting mayo. They also offer salads and soups. You can also find ethnic restaurants that serve a variety of options, such as vegetarian dishes, grilled meats and vegetables, or build-your-own bowls.
If you are driving through a drive-through, remember these tips:
- Avoid fried foods (such as French fries, onion rings and chicken nuggets).
- A skinless grilled chicken breast sandwich has less saturated fat than a hamburger.
- Don’t order anything “supersized.” Instead, order the kids’ menu and get the same taste as the adult version of your favourite fast food.
- Avoid calorie-dense sides and toppings.
- Avoid sugary drinks and opt for water, unsweetened or low-fat tea or milk.
Convenient Home-Cooked Meal Kits
Meal subscription boxes are a great solution for those who find it difficult to plan their meals, gather recipes and shop.
More than 100 companies offer to box up groceries for multiple meals and deliver them directly to your home each week. The cost of meal boxes is higher than when you shop and plan your meals yourself. However, many people find that the convenience is worth the extra money. You can cook delicious, portion-controlled meals in just minutes by combining the ingredients and following the instructions that come with your meal box. The list of recipes is constantly changing. Many companies also offer gluten-free, low-carbohydrate, or low-carbohydrate options. You can avoid purchasing ingredients that are unused or sit in the refrigerator.
You must consider a balanced meal, whether you are eating out or at home. This means getting a healthy mix of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins.
You can eat well even when you’re busy.
