PLAN IT.
One of the hardest parts about living well is not following societies norms. For example if you're running late and need to grab a quick meal- the majority of fast food places are full of unhealthy, greasy options. As are concession stands, vending machines, movie theatre treats, food courts, you get my point.
I feel like as a society we have this misconception that one really has to live a lifestyle against what’s “easy” and “convenient” and be creative and constantly planning ahead to be healthy. Like if you don’t make homemade cauliflower pizza crust for your family forget being healthy because you suck. This concept, especially for busy working mama’s, is exhausting and we lose the battle and typically give up. Plus on top of it we get hit with feelings of guilt, like we’re not doing the best we can for our families and selves. However, it really is not hard to be healthy it just means thinking differently than what our culture does. It also does not mean you have to be a freak about it and remember intuitive eating, balance and portion sizes are the key to any healthy diet.
Here are some of my secrets:
Yes, you need to plan ahead but it's pretty basic. Keep healthy foods on you at all times. Apples, cuties and trail mix or pistachios are easy to have on hand. The combination offers a powerful punch of protein and fiber along with lots of vitamins that can curb any low blood sugar (which typically will lead you straight into McDonalds drive thru). Cut up some veggies and keep them in baggies in the fridge and grab them before you head out the door. Low fat cheese sticks and greek yogurt are easy to keep on hand too but do require a cooler if they aren’t going to be eaten within a few hours.
Always keep water with you. Always keep water with you. ALWAYS KEEP WATER WITH YOU.
Add juice plus to your daily whole food nutrition. This way you know you and your family members are getting 30+ fresh fruits and veggies everyday even on the bad busy days when you might not have any other whole food nutrition.
Pick up an organic rotisserie chicken, lettuce, tomato, carrots, peas, cheese, croutons and make a salad that the whole family can enjoy quick when you are running late. Then the next night shred the left-over chicken, saute’ some peppers, onion and mushroom in olive or coconut oil, add some fajita spices (I love penzies) and viola you can have fajita lettuce bowls or put in a tortilla with some cheese. Instead of sour-cream use avocado and/or greek plain yogurt.
Grab some fresh salsa and cut up an avocado and mix it right in and enjoy with tortilla chips.
Boil some eggs and keep them in the fridge for some quick protein.
Raid the freezer aisle at your local grocery store for frozen veggies in steam bags that you can throw in the microwave for easy sides for dinner or for a healthy snack.
The truth is being healthy really isn’t much harder it just means thinking differently and being intuitive to what you are putting into your body and most of all having the DESIRE to BE WELL and LIVE WELL.