Being too busy shouldn't be an excuse when it comes to having a healthy diet. Seek out simple, balanced ways to eat nutritiously despite your hectic lifestyle.
A common excuse for not eating properly is that one is too busy. In fact, once you learn about the wide array of healthy foods that are available, it's easy to eat a balanced diet. Just as quick as fast food, but containing a multitude of vitamins and minerals, here are your best choices for a diet that will give you energy and longevity.
Fruits
Start the day off with a sliced apple thinly spread with peanut butter or a juicy grapefruit, chewed like an orange, in sections. Bananas are good eaten by themselves or cut into chunks on some bran cereal. Grapes are wonderful for grab and go lunches. Take a thermos of pulpy orange juice with you, or better yet, water with a few teaspoons of lemon juice added to it. Snack on a bag of dried fruit at breaks. Fruits keep you hydrated and add vitamin C to your diet. Try to eat 4 or 5 servings a day.
Breads and Starches
If you have time for toast, make it on nut and grain bread. If you're counting calories, use less butter. Whole grain breads have more nutrients than processed white breads. Cereal can be a healthy choice for desserts if you choose the low sugar varieties. Eat potatoes or long grain rice once or twice a week. Try them steamed and without salt.
Vegetables
Again, variety is the key. For lunch, eat carrot or celery sticks. Steamed zuchini or parsnip chunks are also good cold. Raw broccoli makes a yummy snack with a bit of low-fat baba ganouj or tzatziki dip.
Accompany your dinner with salad. It's quick to throw together - a bag of mixed lettuce or spinach, chopped mushrooms and tomatoes with some sunflower seeds sprinkled on top. Bake a squash fast in the microwave or enjoy the sweet taste of peas right out of their shells. Garnish your salad or sandwiches with bean sprouts. Don't forget to eat at least one green and one orange vegetable a day.
Meats, Fishes and Other Proteins
Skinless chicken wings are good chilled for lunches or dinners. Try lean ground turkey or pork as a change from beef for your meatloafs, chilis and pasta dishes. All of these meals can be cooked in larger portions on the weekend and frozen for meals during the week. Make two meals a week fish ones. You can bake a filet in minutes, lightly garnished with lemon and garlic. Eat cans of sardines or herring for lunches to obtain important Omega-3 fatty acids. Scramble or poach some eggs. Don't forget that you don't necessarily need to eat meat to get adequate protein. Experiment wtih veggie burgers, soy dogs, and tofu loafs. Beans or lentils are also a simple, tasty option. Always carry some mixed nuts with you for energy during your fast-paced day.
Milk products
Milk contains key calcium and other minerals for healthy bones and teeth. If you're lactose intolerant, soy milk is a great choice for healthy digestion. Make sure it's fortified. Take a thermos of it to work with you. In addition to traditional cows milk products, you can choose from goat's milk or sheep's mik varieties. Try organic cheeses, cut into chunks for easy lunches or pack cheese slices. Choose low fat fruit yoghurt in portable containers.
Eating well on the run is possible by making a list of the foods you enjoy and preparing them ahead of time. Your health, energy level and quality of life will all benefit!
