How to Eat Healthy When You Are Busy

The morning alarm sounds and with quick and decisive action, hot coffee is in the mug as the race to work jolts the day into action. With this frantic, daily schedule, it is easy to get into the habit of grabbing fast food or soup and popcorn from the cupboard on the way to the car, but there is a better way. With a little preparation built into the weekly routine, eating flavorful and healthy foods throughout the day will increase energy reserves, reduce the afternoon crash, keep the extra pounds off and keep the junk food desire at bay.

Things You'll Need

• Individual food storage containers
• Frying pan
• Blender
• Knife
• Metal 20 oz. water bottle
• Thermos
• Crockpot
• Yogurt
• Assorted colorful fruits and vegetables
• Nuts
• Lean meats
• Block or cubed cheese
• Legumes/beans
• Apple juice

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Instructions

• 1

  Packaging small meals and snacks in advance saves time and money.

  Develop a list of healthy favorite family foods. Purchase the items and include lean meats, cheeses, fruits, nuts, vegetables and legumes. Create a list of breakfast, lunch and dinner options for one to two weeks.

• 2

  Despite the cost, purchasing produce is a long-lasting investment.

  Pre-cut raw fruit and vegetables, placing portion sizes into containers or plastic baggies. Mix and match containers with nuts, cheeses, crackers, fruits and vegetables for daily variety.

• 3

  The brain functions best with proteins, fruits and vegetables.

  Cut and saute in olive meats that are three times the size of family dinners. Season to taste and freeze in individual portions in labeled containers. Reheat meats and mix with brown rice, canned mandarin oranges, nuts and vegetables for a stir-fry or cold salad.

• 4

  Cut varieties of fruits and vegetables at a ratio of three to one and mix with yogurt or apple juice in a blender. Freeze smoothies for a treat or eat for breakfast with whole wheat bagels. Add this juice or smoothie to any combination of prepared foods for lunch or a mid-afternoon energy boost.