Quick Healthy Eating Tips

Healthy eating has been quite the adventure.  The two most daunting obstacles in this pursuit have been expense (which we will cover another time) and busy schedules, making it exceedingly difficult to achieve health.  Mothers, students, and those who work full-time struggle to make ends meet regarding their personal journey toward a healthy lifestyle. 

People ask me how to begin eating healthy and honestly, it requires only a little bit of planning.  I don't leave unhealthy options lying around to begin with.  Healthy eating is not an option for me.  Health and fitness are elements in my life that I go out of my way to achieve.  I now find it easier to eat healthy foods than rather than junk. 

That being said, I have compiled a list of quick healthy eating tips:

1.  Eat Salads- It is super easy to put together a stellar salad with spinach (or another leafy green), nuts, fruit (fresh or dried), beans, lentils, etc.  You can add in canned salmon if you want to add meat (or chicken if you have time).  This is super quick and easy to make.  Stick to homemade dressing (olive oil, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar) and if you need to pack your salad just pack all the ingredients in a plastic bag and put the dressing in a separate container.  Combine when the time comes and pour it all in your packed bowl or plate. 

2.  Keep it simple with single vegetable recipes- For a quick and scrumptious vegetable option saute kale, salt, and garlic in a non-stick pan for several minutes and you have a healthy and quick vegetable.

3.  Freeze beans/legumes- Cooking dried beans and lentils is extremely healthful.  If you soak and cook them in large batches and freeze the portions you don't need you can pull them out for a quick fix.  Legumes are filling and oh-so-good for you!

4.  Cook Eggs- Good quality eggs are excellent for your health.  It takes only a few minutes to make the scrambled variety.

5.  Eat smart if you have to eat out- Plan restaurant choices to your benefit.  Pick a health food store like whole foods.  You can get a pretty darn inexpensive meal or salad for a few dollars that is nutritious and inexpensive.

6.  Snack Healthy- Carry small pieces of fruit, or prepare trail mix with nuts and dried fruit (watch portion size) for your snacks.  Other options are celery and a natural nut butter, or endive and hummus.  These options are quick, easy, and convenient to pack!