As you know, I’ve been in a state of health… so today I have some tips for choosing healthy foods to help you on your way to a better life!
You’ll be pleased to discover that a hectic life doesn’t mean every meal has to be fast food! Sometimes it’s hard to make healthy changes, but with a little planning and knowledge, it can be done.
You already know how important it is to make healthy food choices for you and your family. But how can you fit the best options into your busy life?
Here are some strategies to help you and your family make healthy choices:
1. Make dinner time a social experience.
Dinner should be about enjoying your company and enjoying the food you eat.
Dinner becomes a great experience when you can enjoy healthy foods together. Take time to eat as a family and enjoy real conversation with each other. Talking naturally will slow down your eating pace, while also reconnecting you with your family members.
When you begin to view mealtime as a social experience, it becomes easier to make the right choices about healthy foods. Suddenly, you’re not so worried about rushing and doing it fast.
2. Avoid temptation.
It’s so easy to walk into the store with good intentions, but leave with bags full of unhealthy food. Unfortunately, our will is weak, especially if we have trained ourselves over the years to buy junk food.
* Think of healthier alternatives to your family’s favorite unhealthy foods. Instead of high-calorie chips, try trail mixes or rice cakes. Low-calorie desserts or frozen yogurts are better alternatives to high-fat ice cream.
* Never shop when you are hungry. This way, you won’t choose unhealthy options because they look good at the time.
* Get rid of unhealthy foods in your home. If they’re not around, you won’t be tempted to eat them.
3. Eat quick, healthy meals at home.
When you’re tired at the end of the day and realize you still have the family to feed, it’s easy to go to a fast food chain and dump fast food on the table. It may save some time, but it won’t save your health, or your pocketbook!
* Search online for quick and easy recipes made with natural ingredients. Many recipes can be made in 30 minutes or less and only have 5 ingredients. Taking the time to research a few recipes will save your sanity in the long run. Then, once you find a “hit” with the family, save the recipe in a book or on your computer.
* The good thing is that there are many easy, quick and healthy meals that you can prepare at home. This takes some planning, but you’ll be more satisfied, save money, and be healthier, too.
* When cooking, make large batches and freeze leftovers. This way, you’ll already have meals in the freezer that you can defrost, reheat, and serve. No mess, no fuss! This is the timely way to enjoy “fast” food at home.
4. Eat slower.
Since it takes about 20 minutes for the brain to receive the signal that the stomach is full, if you eat too fast, you will accumulate much more food than you need. When you still think you’re hungry, it’s easy to make the wrong food decisions. If you slow down while eating, you’ll eat less and still feel full.
* Set a relaxing mood before sitting down to eat. Avoid having the TV on or eating while rushing the kids to another activity. Sitting quietly at the table will allow everyone to relax and enjoy their meal.
Using these techniques will bring all kinds of healthy benefits to your family and teach your children a healthy lifestyle. Healthy food options are a possibility in your busy life if you take the time to plan ahead and make dinnertime a priority in your home.