There's no easy way to instantly become a healthier, happier person. I'm sure I can't be the first to tell you it's a journey. Once in a while, however, you'll find a shortcut.
For many of us, one of the most time-consuming factors in all of this is, quite simply, cooking.
I loooooove to cook. But that doesn't mean that I always love cooking. Home-cooked meals are great for a journey to healthy food habits. They give you total control over the ingredients and make every meal feel more like an event. But frankly, sometimes you won't have the time or the energy! There's no shame in taking one of these shortcuts:
- Meal prep. Pick a day of the week where you know you'll have a couple hours free, and prep some meals. On a busy day, grab a container, reheat it, and enjoy! You still get all of the benefits of mindfully selecting your ingredients. No time to meal prep? Instead try...
- Take-out. A take-out day doesn't have to be a cheat day. Everybody knows a restaurant with good, healthy food that you can pickup once in a while. Most menus now feature some nutrition information, and you can always call and ask about particular ingredients. And you can even get curbside delivery for a safe and convenient option. Alternatively...
- Frozen meals. There's a stigma about frozen meals that comes from a long history of the products... But the truth is, just like anything at the grocery store, there are healthy options! Some with all-natural ingredients. Vegetarian dishes, vegan dishes, etc. Do some research about different brands, and test a few of the meals. Hopefully you find one that you love, and keep a few in the freezer just in case.
Cooking isn't the only thing we can save time and effort on (every once in a while). Have you found ways to make it easier to stick to your healthy habits? Every person's journey is different. Never be ashamed to do something your way, as long as you know you're still on the right track to a happier healthier you.
Xx,
Kim Shapira RD