DISHING 5 SIMPLE WAYS TO EAT HEALTHY

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As a mom of three, and sometimes five when my step-sons are visiting, I don't have time EVER, let alone the time to cook a healthy meal! But something that my parents instilled in me as a little girl was the importance of gathering everyone around the dinner table. They always told me that is where the "magic happens," the bonding, the communication and the memories.

I want that "magic," I think we all do! And while sometimes it's just not possible between appointments, school pick up, homework, and after school activities, IT IS POSSIBLE to get a healthy meal in for yourself and your family. This is how I do it.

1. MEAL PREP/ ORGANIZATION

This lack of time has made meal preparation imperative to my healthy eating habits. I always look at my calendar at least a day in advance, and if I know there won't be any time to grab a healthy lunch for the following day, I plan it the night before! This will save you so much stress about finding something clean to eat.

When I talk about meal preparation, I mean it is portioned and packaged in to-go containers (just in case you need to eat on-the-go!) I can never have enough food containers! I like to use these lunch-tray style containers for fast and organized meals..

Here's some I'm using in my fridge right now...

You can buy them here on amazon

You can buy them here on amazon

MY TYPICAL MEAL

Here's a typical good day of eating for me (please know I have a severe sensitivity to dairy, so I avoid it all together, but there are great dairy options you could incorporate).

ALSO, PLEASE KNOW I AM NOT A NUTRITIONIST OR DIETITIAN, THIS IS JUST AN EXAMPLE OF WHAT A GOOD DAY OF EATING LOOKS LIKE FOR ME.

Breakfast:

  • 1 cup of coffee, almond milk, stevia sweetener
  • 1/4 cup oatmeal with berries and a dollop of almond/peanut butter (I always pair protein with any carb)

 

 

(I TYPICALLY WORKOUT OUT BETWEEN BREAKFAST AND SNACK TIME)

Snack:

  • Protein shake (use protein of your choice), blend with 1 banana, 1 handful of ice, almond milk, I love throwing 1 teaspoon of matcha powder in too

Lunch:

  • Turkey burger (Trader Joe's has great frozen ones)
  • Roasted veggies or a salad packed with hearty vegetables (I usually make a large salad and store it in the fridge so it's easy for me to grab the portion I want and add dressing as needed)
  • 1/4 cup brown rice

Snack:

  • a handful of almonds and apple slices OR
  • toast with avocado and a slice of turkey meat

Dinner:

  • 8 oz salmon baked in oven, wedge of lemon
  • Side of veggies, broccoli and asparagus are my fave
  • I like to make a hearty salad too

2. OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND

This next one is easy... If you are tempted by a certain food that isn't clean, don't buy it! It's that simple! Out of sight, out of mind rule!

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3. GRAB AND GO SNACKS

Keep your fridge stocked with fresh fruit and veggies. As soon as I get home from the grocery store, I wash all my berries and veggies, chop them up into bite size pieces and store them in glass or clear containers. Having your fruits and veggies visible and clean makes you more likely to grab for them when you open the fridge, over the alternative of something unhealthy.

Going that extra step to clean and prep snacks makes it appetizing and EASY (I know we all love that word). 

4. EAT WHAT YOU WANT

Do not deprive yourself of things you love. Allow yourself one cheat meal a week and make sure to indulge. For me, my cheat meals are typically when I go out to dinner with my husband. I usually get a cocktail, whatever main course I want and dessert!

This is IMPORTANT, because I have learned from experience that depriving yourself of something you love typically leads to binge eating in your near future. What comes shortly after your binge episode is the feeling of GUILT. No bueno. So if indulging in a chocolate cake, or something smothered in your fav sauce with extra cheese on top hits the spot for you, than DO IT!

5. SUPPORT

It helps to have a spouse or significant other that is on board with you and your new lifestyle. Try and convince them to do it with you and come up with fun, creative, and most importantly HEALTHY recipes together. Speaking of healthy recipes, you can check out CLEAN EATS under my Instagram stories to get some easy and quick recipes. I'll be posting more healthy tips soon!

Monica LempertComment