For most of us one of the hardest obstacles when it comes to
losing weight is to overcome how and what we eat. I know for me, throughout the years as life
got busier and busier, I started relying A LOT on fast food drive thru’s or
pre-packaged, processed foods from the grocery store that would only take a few
minutes to cook. Unfortunately, all of
those foods are full of fat, LOTS of preservatives, calories and little
nutrition!!
If you are trying to change your eating habits and create
healthier eating habits for your children, then try these recommendations. They have worked for me and I feel so much
better.
1)
MEAL PLAN
AND PREP I always do this on the
weekends for the upcoming week. I
inventory what I already have on hand and then I see what’s on sale at the
grocery stores. I make a plan for the
entire week, that includes all 3 meals and 2 snacks for every day. I write it out, make my grocery list and
then shop. On Sunday evenings I then
prepare as much as possible so that I don’t have to stress during the
week. I put all the snacks in baggies or
containers. (Snacks are typically fresh
fruit or raw veggies, almonds, Greek yogurt with fruit- something easy). If I am having salads for lunch that week
then I go ahead and put the first 3 days’ worth in the containers so it’s ready
to go. I know ahead of time what I am
fixing for dinner every night so it’s not a guessing game.
2)
EAT BREAKFAST!!
It doesn’t matter if you don’t like breakfast foods, what matters is
that you eat in the mornings. Be sure to
include protein, some carbs and fruit.
Studies have shown that eating a nutritious breakfast gives you more
energy throughout the day, helps keep your blood sugar level and keep you
focused in the mornings. Also, it helps
keep you from gorging on junk food when you suddenly realize you are starving
and you want to eat everything in sight J
3)
TAKE YOUR LUNCH AND SNACKS TO WORK If you took the time on the weekend to meal
plan and prep then you are good to go.
If you take your lunch and snacks, be sure to take nutritious
foods. Include fruits, lean protein and
veggies. Studies show that those who
take their lunches are less likely to eat poorly compared to those who go out
to eat for lunch every day.
4)
ADD MORE FRUITS AND VEGGIES Fresh is always best, but I know that in the
winter it is more expensive and harder to find.
Both frozen and canned are good options as long as you check the
ingredients. ONLY buy the foods that do
not have salt or sugar added and the ingredient list is just that food. If you don’t like veggies alone, then mix
them in with your meats, casseroles or soups so that you are getting the
nutrition you need.
5)
COOK DINNER AT HOME AGAIN, if you planned out your meals and
went to the grocery store before the week began, then all you should have to do
is go home and prepare your meal each night.
Use the crock-pot, it is my life saver on days that I know it’s going to
be too hard to cook a full dinner at night.
You will be amazed at how much better you start feeling when you are feeding your body the food that it needs and that's good for it. I'm not going to lie, when you begin it won't be easy. But once you do it for a couple of weeks it IS SO WORTH IT!!!!
