Quick Solutions For Optimal Nutrition For A Busy Lifestyle: There’s no question that our modern lifestyle comes with all sorts of benefits. Unfortunately, it has also taken a major toll on our physical fitness, sleeping patterns, and our nutrition.
We spend most of our time being static- sitting at a desk, commuting in the car, or veggie on the couch. And when you toss in a lack of time for exercise, it’s the perfect prescription for low energy levels, unhealthy weight gain, and a lack of motivation to make positive changes.
By the time you get through a long day at work and survive the rush hour traffic, the last thing you’re worried about is preparing a healthy meal. Most of your evenings probably go something like this: Order your favorite takeout, grab a quick shower, and eat in front of the television.
If you’re like most people, you probably equate eating a healthy diet with missing out on your favorite things. In some ways that’s true. You’ll need to cut back or eliminate fast food, processed foods, and refined sugar- but that’s totally doable!
What it really comes down to is changing the way you prep food and decide what you’re going to eat. Eating a healthy diet is easy with these quick solutions for optimal nutrition on the go.
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Break Out Your Blender
There’s an easy way to create a nutritious meal in just a few minutes and take it on the go. How? It’s simple. Break out your blender. A blended meal can make a refreshing snack, or it can stand in as breakfast, lunch, or dinner in the form of smoothies, shakes, and soups.
What can you blend? Just about anything! Fruits and veggies are delicious when blended with milk, juice, yogurt, and much more for a quick healthy breakfast. According to experts at Rahav Wellness Immunology in NYC, smoothies made from fruit and yogurt are loaded with beneficial antioxidants and probiotics to support the immune system, too.
Or try blending some cooked chicken breast with veggies and Greek yogurt to make a delicious and hearty dip for whole-grain crackers at lunch or dinner. You could also blend up a quick vegetable soup to drink in the car on your way to the gym.
The options are virtually endless and experimenting with different flavor combinations is half of the fun!
Take Advantage of Meal Replacements, Protein Powders, and Protein Bars
A convenient soy meal replacement and protein powder can be a lifesaver when you lead a busy lifestyle, especially when you’re trying to eat healthily but have no time to cook. When you’re rushing out the door in the morning, the last thing you have time for is preparing a healthy meal.
But this is where meal replacements, protein powders, protein bars, and carnivore diet on a budget really shine! Meal replacements are created to include all of the nutrition of a healthy meal that you can grab and go.
Protein powders can boost the nutrition of everything from smoothies and soups to yogurt or cereal. And protein bars can be kept at your desk at work for those times when you need something right now, but still want to eat healthily.
It Doesn’t Get Much Easier Than a Hearty Sandwich
If you do your shopping and plan ahead, you can whip together a super nutritious, delicious, and filling sandwich in less than five minutes. Combine whole grain bread with some veggies and healthy protein and fats for a completely balanced meal you can take anywhere.
Pickles, avocado, and veggies can add tons of flavor and nutrition without a lot of extra calories. Or you could skip the bread altogether and make a lettuce wrap. Consider introducing some meat-free protein options, like hummus or tofu. It’s not just about nutrition, you want your meals to be tasty and satisfying too.
Be Choosy About What You Drink
If water isn’t the first thing you think of when you’re thirsty, it’s time to rethink your strategy. Not only does water rehydrate the body of essential fluids used for metabolism, sweating, and body functions like breathing, it’s also portable, shelf-stable, and contains no calories or sugar.
Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times to remind you to rehydrate. Save plastic and avoid trips to the store by purchasing a water bottle with a filter so you can refill it anywhere. And, if plain water gets boring, try adding fruit, cucumber slices, or mint to change up the flavor.
Prep for the Week on Your Day Off
Prepping your snacks and meals in advance is essential for healthy eating on the go, as well as maintaining a healthy weight. When you’ve got something nutritious readily available, you are more likely to eat that instead of ordering take-out or hitting the vending machines for a quick snack.
Not only that but prepping everything on your day off reduces stress and anxiety throughout your work week since you don’t have to worry about what to eat. The secret to successful meal prep is actually pretty simple. Choose easy recipes that can be prepped ahead and enjoyed all week.
Think sandwiches on whole-grain bread, soups, salads, smoothies, yogurt, hearty dips with crackers… you get the idea. Add in a few no prep, portable options, like protein bars and meal replacement shakes. Then make a list of everything you need and do your shopping all in one trip. Prep your meals as you unpack your groceries and you’re done for the entire week.
Wrapping It Up
Optimizing your nutrition and eating healthy is a big commitment that may seem daunting at first, especially when you’re busy. To be successful, you’ll need to take the time to plan, shop, and prep in advance. This will also help you avoid the temptation of reverting to old habits.
Make sure to leave healthy snacks like fruit and protein bars where you can access them easily. And whenever you feel like it’s just too much hassle, remind yourself why you wanted to start eating healthier in the first place.
