Healthy Eating Hacks For Busy Lives
If you work long hours, spend a lot of time sitting at your desk and find it hard to get motivated when it comes to cooking and preparing healthy meals, then it can be all too tempting to grab a takeout or unhealthy snack on the way home. The reality is that healthy eating does take time to plan and prepare your meals, take time to do a shop and also ensure that you have enough healthy and tasty snacks to hand at home. However, if you long to make a change to your diet and lifestyle for the better, then you can. All you need to do is use a few of these hacks, and you will soon be feeling full of energy and ready to face the world with a happier and healthier mindset.
If you are looking to make an improvement to your lifestyle and diet, then you need to begin at home. Go through your cupboards and get rid of any unhealthy and sugar-laden snacks and treats. Be sure to weigh yourself at the beginning of your healthy eating plan, and then put the scales out of the way. It is better to focus on how you feel rather than how much you weigh. If you have a hectic social calendar, then it is worth warning your friends in advance that you are trying to make healthier changes to your diet. Rather than being boring, explain that you are looking to make an improvement in your mood and overall wellbeing.
Meal planning and prep
If you thought meal planning and preparation was for bodybuilders, then think again, if you are looking to make an improvement to your diet for the long run then it is vital that you plan ahead and write up your meals for the week ahead. If you plan what you are going to eat, then you are less likely to snack on the way home, or even buy unhealthy foods, as you are feeling hungry. Make sure that you replace any unhealthy snacks with fruit, nuts or even crackers and nut butter. Try taking yogurt or overnight oats with seasonal berries for breakfast. For your lunch, be sure to prepare homemade salads, grilled meat or vegetables and a portion of brown rice, quinoa or add some grilled sweet potato. If you enjoy eating vegetables, then try using dehydrators to help you to prepare delicious and low-calorie meals. To get an idea of the products available visit Dehydrated Foodz to get inspired. If you are vegan or vegetarian, then replace meat with pulses, black beans or chickpeas to ensure that you still get your protein in. Finally, allow yourself a few sweet treats or cocktails during your cheat day, but be sure to get right back on the straight and narrow. If you are looking to save yourself money, and get healthier too, then be sure to start planning and preparing your breakfast, lunch, and dinner ready for the day ahead.
Drink more
If you are looking to get healthier and feel more awake and engaged, then try upping your water levels. If you struggle to sip water throughout the day, then you could try adding fruit, cucumber or lemon to your water bottle, so that you can enjoy a fresh tasting and refreshing drink all day long. It is vital that you up your water intake if you are trying to lose weight also, as this enables your muscles to get hydrated and replace any sweat that you lose during exercise. Plus, your body needs water to allow all the complex and necessary functions to take place during the day, such as digestion and keeping your immune system in check. If you are looking to start the day feeling more engaged and awake, then sip on a cup of hot water and lemon. Plus, drinking more water will help your skin to look clearer and fresher also. So, if you are keen to make an improvement to your entire health and wellbeing, then drink more water, and you will soon reap the benefits.
Get up and active
Even if you work at a desk, there are still a few ways that you can get up and active during the day. If you are looking to tone up and slim down, then you will need to complement your new diet regime with several exercise classes or up your activity levels each week, so that you create a calorie deficit and get rid of those stubborn last few pounds. When in the office, be sure to get up each half hour and stretch your legs. Try holding walking meetings instead of sitting at your desk. While if you work for a large firm, then make the most of the corporate perks and join your staff gym. It also pays to get active during your lunch break also. Try going for a jog or a walk with your colleagues, or try out the local exercise classes from Yoga to Zumba – whatever you enjoy. If you are looking to shape up, and support your healthy eating habits, then make sure that you get up and active during your working day.
If you are looking to make a change in your lifestyle, but feel that you don’t have time to get healthy, then think again. By making a few small differences, you will be able to get in shape and boost your mood and energy levels. Begin by planning your meals and get prepared at home, so that you stick to your good intentions and follow a healthy diet plan. Try drinking more water during the day so that you remain focused and hydrated. Finally, be sure to get up and active even if you work in an office so that you can create a calorie deficit to help you to slim down. So, even if you are permanently rushing around, or find that you barely have time for yourself, there is no excuse to let your health slip. Try these hacks, and you will soon notice an improvement in your overall wellbeing, and you may even lose a few pounds too.