How to Prioritize Eating Well When You’re Busy
By Lydia Wallie, Nutrition Director
One of the biggest obstacles to eating well consistently is the perceived lack of time and/or energy. Life is crazy busy no matter what stage of life you’re in. There’s never a perfect time to start any goal. There will always be obstacles on the path to where you want to be. So how do you navigate a busy life and still eat well?
1. Identify your non-negotiables. What are the areas in your eating that you must do for your health? Maybe you’re lactose intolerant and occasionally eat fast food with dairy in it but know that this needs to be non-negotiable considering how it makes you feel afterward. Identify where your boundaries need to be based on your health and goals.
2. Identify your routine. Take a few minutes to analyze your daily/weekly routine so you can pinpoint 1-2 areas where you could meal prep for 15-30 minutes.
3. Work with the time you have. If you know that you only have 10 minutes to prepare meals per week, that’s okay! Set yourself up for success by creating meals with minimal ingredients and minimal preparation.
Here are two fast meal options:
Pot Roast: Using a slow cooker, cook a chuck roast, a bag of frozen root vegetables (carrots, sweet potatoes, etc.), diced garlic, balsamic vinegar, and Himalayan salt on low overnight or during the day (around 8 hrs).
Chicken Thighs: On a sheet pan covered in parchment paper, place chicken thighs and frozen vegetables (Normandy blend works well). Coat all with olive oil, spices, and Himalayan salt and cook at 375 for 45-50 minutes.
Next steps: Go through steps 1-3 listed above to prioritize eating well. Need help prioritizing eating well? Contact us for Nutrition Coaching or our Nutrition Kickstart programs.