8 Ways To Improve Your Eating When You Have A Busy Schedule
Deep Dive
Takeaway: Eating out too much can be detrimental to one's health and budget. Even when making better food choices at restaurants, there is always an element of not knowing exactly what they add to the food you’re consuming.
By planning ahead, packing your own lunch, cooking in bulk, using leftovers, finding healthy options, and utilizing technology, you can eat out less on a busy schedule and still enjoy delicious, healthy food.
8 Ways To Improve Your Eating When You Have A Busy Schedule
Eating out can be a convenient option when you have a busy schedule, there’s no denying that.
However, it can also be detrimental to your health and budget if it becomes a habit.
If you’re planning to make changes to your diet (and avoid thinning your wallet), here are some strategies for conveniently improving your nutrition that don’t involve eating out:
Meal Prep
One of the most effective ways to eat out less is to prepare your meals in advance. This can be done by cooking a large batch of food on the weekends and storing it in the refrigerator or freezer for later in the week. This way, you will have healthy, homemade meals ready to go when you're short on time.
Plan Your Meals
Don’t enjoy the taste of leftovers? Even planning out your meals for the week in advance can lift a heavy burden when you’re limited in mental energy. This will help you to have a good idea of what you need to buy at the grocery store and also what you will be eating for each meal.
Pack Your Lunch for Work
Packing your own lunch is a great way to save money and ensure that you're eating healthy. Try to include a variety of foods, such as a protein source, vegetables, and a whole grain.
Cook In Bulk
If you find yourself eating out frequently because you don't have time to cook, try cooking in bulk. Make a big batch of something and divide it into smaller portions for the week.
Separate from a full meal prep, cooking in bulk entails cooking constituent pieces of a meal to combine later. For example, making a batch of ground beef or chicken, for use in multiple different recipes later.
Use Leftovers
If you cook a big meal, save some for the next day. That way you can have a homemade meal without having to cook again.
Find Healthier Options
Okay, you caved and ordered out. Even so, you can still make healthier choices. Look for restaurants that offer healthier options, such as salads, grilled meats and fish, and whole grains. Avoid high-calorie and high-fat options, such as fried foods and creamy sauces.
Get A Slow Cooker
Slow cookers are great for busy people. You can prepare all of your ingredients in the morning and by the time you come home, dinner will be ready.
Leverage Technology
Use apps or services that can help you plan, prepare, and order meals. Some apps and services can even help you find healthy options when eating out.
It’s easier than ever to use technology to help improve your diet. Free artificial intelligence websites can help you plan your meals in seconds, and is as easy to use as chatting with a friend over text message.
Eating out too much can be detrimental to one's health and budget. Even when making better food choices at restaurants, there is always an element of not knowing exactly what they add to the food you’re consuming.
By planning ahead, packing your own lunch, cooking in bulk, using leftovers, finding healthy options, and utilizing technology, you can eat out less on a busy schedule and still enjoy delicious, healthy food.
P.S. If you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day and worried about ruining your gym progress, consider this:
One day is but a drop in the bucket.
No single event will make or break your progress. It’s the culmination of your daily habits and decisions that drive the most substantial change.
If you’re celebrating with a special someone tonight, don’t feel food anxiety or guilt. Enjoy your time, and get back to your plan tomorrow morning.
~ Coach Alex