Using Time Wisely

Eating real takes time, but it’s about optimizing your time when you do have it.  Below are some tips to use on your journey to a healthier you.

• Take advantage of your weekends to plan and prepare your meals for the week and base your grocery shopping on these meals.  Although it sounds tedious, write down your meals day by day.
• Become friends with frozen vegetables (without added salt) which are good go-to side vegetables.  From frozen spinach to lima beans and string beans, you don’t have to eat the same vegetables over and over again.  Varying the herbs and spices you use is also key.
• As soon as you step in the door, put the water on for your grain side dish.  If you really want to be a step ahead, you can pre-measure rice or pasta portions in plastic baggies.  Kids may like to help with this.
• Marinade your meats and put them in the freezer until you are ready to cook them.  
• Have a large batch of salad prepared which can last a few days (and when I say large, I mean large).  If you have kids, that means even larger.  Pre-cut the basic veggies like spinach, romaine, onions, green pepper, which stay crisp longer. And add toppings such as tomatoes and croutons the day that you are eating the salad.  To switch it up from day to day, try adding dried or fresh fruit, different nuts or seeds (walnuts and craisins is one of my favorite combos), and a variety of salad dressings.
• During the summer when a lot of fruits are in season, cut a big batch of fruit salad to have in the refrigerator.  You can use this to eat alone, in your morning oatmeal, or with plain yogurt and a drizzle of honey.

These are just a few helpful hints.  If you have more helpful tips, please share so that others can benefit.  Sharing is caring :)