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Being prepared is the key to making healthier food choices. Let's review three ways to be better prepared…
1. Make a meal/snack plan for the week
2. Create a shopping list according to the meal plan
3. Food prep on days off
1. Meal planning
How often do you walk in the door after work hungry without a plan for dinner and turn to processed or fast-food? Take control and eliminate the guesswork, stress and unhealthy choices out of “what’s for dinner”! Create a 7-day meal plan to include breakfast, lunch, dinner, 3 light snacks and all ingredients needed. With this proactive approach, you will have healthy options at your fingertips upon returning home from a hectic day.
2. Create a shopping list
Use the meal planner created in Step #1 as your shopping list, highlighting items to be purchased. When creating the meal planner, list all ingredients for every recipe so nothing is overlooked at the store.
Tips while shopping:
--Have kids? Leave them home! “Me-time” is always nice, yes, even shopping, and helps control impulse-buying unhealthy items
--Resist temptation and skip cookie or chip aisles - stick to the list!
--Eat before heading out - hungry shoppers often bring home unhealthy items
3. Food Preparation
Here are a few go-to tips for healthy meal prep and cooking
--Cook large batches of soup, stews, meats and casseroles which can be used for up to 4 days or freeze them in single-use portions
--Pre-cut veggies and fruit for salads and snacks
--Portion out snacks, like air-popped popcorn or nuts, in bags/containers - this saves both time and calories
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