A FEW TIPS TO HELP BEAT THOSE BAD EATING HABITS

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!!!!