No matter which diet program we have enrolled into, we all know the drill. We should reduce eating junk and processed foods and start eating the healthy ones. That means that as much as possible, we need to prepare our meals and have it homemade. However, with our hectic schedules and tons of appointments we encounter each day, meal planning is easier said than done.
Meal planning involves the tedious process of listing the foods you want to eat, shopping for the ingredients, preparing them, and finally, cooking your favorite recipe. Most of us just don’t have time to do all of these when we’re on a tight schedule. That’s why most of us get discouraged in sticking to a healthy lifestyle. We’re more than tempted to buy foods from fast-food chains.
Truth be told, you can plan your meals easily and quickly without ruining your schedule if you do it right. There are tons of easy and quick healthy recipes on the Internet. You can prepare them for only 15 minutes, sometimes even less! You just need to unleash your creativity to prepare your meals properly.
If hunger is not the problem, then eating is not the solution.
Here are our top 4 tips to help you in your meal planning to keep on track with your diet regimen.
Drink Plenty of Water
One of the misconceptions we have is that we often confuse our thirst with hunger. The moment we hear our stomach growling, we often seek food to ease the hunger inside of us. What would happen if you only prepared one sandwich for your morning snack and you’re not due to eating your snack for the next hour? You’ll find yourself screwing up your meal map already!
In such a situation, drink plenty of water. Water will keep your body hydrated. When you’re hydrated, your body will be able to distribute nutrients evenly. This will correct your hormones and make you feel fuller until your next meal/snack. Now if you’re not drinking enough water, it will trigger your hunger.
That’s why it’s important to drink water before you take your meal. You’ll be amazed how you feel full for the next 30 minutes just by drinking water. Drinking water will also help you in lessening your risks to binge-eating.
Prepare Your Meals At Night
If you don’t have any time to prepare your meal throughout the day, make some time to prepare it at night. Surely, you’re already free from your obligations and responsibilities the moment you return home from work, right? It’s the perfect opportunity for you to prepare and cook your meals ahead of time.
You stack these foods on the fridge so that by the next morning you only need to reheat it in a slow cooker. Not only do you get to eat a healthy meal first thing in the morning, but you also stick to your schedule for the day! You can prepare your snacks in advance, too!
Browse For Quick and Healthy Recipes Online
If you think you’re the only one who doesn’t have enough time to cook, then think again. You should know by now that most of us don’t have enough time to do all the things we want. That’s why some food bloggers out there are starting to create easy, quick, but delicious and healthy recipes.
In fact, it’s so easy that anyone can just do it even under 5 minutes! Take some time to browse recipes online and try them out when you prepare your meals. There are also various cookbooks that you can try for you and your family.
Nothing tastes as good as being healthy feels.
Eat Raw Foods
If you find cooking to be too much work, there are healthier options for you. Eat healthy without cooking. This comes to the beauty of raw salads, veggies, and fruits. You can pack some fruits or veggie salad as your snacks on your way to the office. Easy-peasy, right? In fact, you don’t need to cook at all! You only need to mix those ingredients and you’re good to go!
