Many of us lead busy lives and as a consequence of this, our eating habits can border on the unhealthy side. We might skip meals entirely if we don't have time to eat during the day or we might munch on a snack food that isn't particularly good for us.
After a long and busy day, we might also slump on the sofa with a pizza we have grabbed on the way home, or we might unwrap a less-than-healthy microwave meal if we are too tired to cook.
It's easy to fall into these habits but we really shouldn't. It's important to find ways to incorporate healthy foods into our lives as not only will we protect our health if we do but we will also have the energy we need to fulfill our busy schedules.
With all of this in mind, here are some tips for healthy eating when your life is busy.
#1: Pick healthier options when you're on the go
Sure, you could buy a chocolate bar from the local store when you need a quick snack. Or you could grab a sausage roll from the bakery when you need something for lunch. But as these aren't the healthier options, it's wise to make better choices. So, opt for a protein bar over something that is sugary, and choose a wholegrain salad sandwich when lunchtime rolls around. Or pick something else that is good for you and that you know will enjoy.
#2: Look online for quick and easy recipes
If you have been busy all day, the last thing you will want to do is spend an age in the kitchen. You'll want to put your feet up and watch a bit of television or spend time with your family. As such, you might be tempted to reduce your cooking time by sticking a processed meal into the microwave. This obviously isn't the best option so look online for quick and easy recipes instead. Consider this dirty rice recipe, for example, which is an easy-to-make one-pot recipe that can be prepared in next to no time. If you're on a budget, you can also try any of these cheap meal prep recipes that you can make in advance.
#3: Stock up your freezer with homemade meals
Try to carve time into your busy schedule to batch-cook a few meals and then store them in your freezer. On the days when you're super busy, you can take one out of the freezer so it has time to defrost while you're busying yourself elsewhere. When you finally get around to mealtime, you will be able to warm up the meal by popping it into your oven. Check out these tips for freezing food to ensure your meal prep is successful.
#4: Utilize your slow cooker
If you have a slow cooker, don't forget to use it. And if you don't have one, consider the option. With a slow cooker, you can add your chosen ingredients at the start of the day and then set it to high or low, according to your recipe's instructions. Your food will then cook throughout the day and when you come home, you will be able to treat yourself to a delicious warm meal. Your home will smell great too!
These are just a few tips for healthy eating when your life is super-busy. We hope they were useful to you but if you have any suggestions of your own for our busy readers, please leave us a message in the comments section below.
